At the age of 23, my Dad Larry Roeder was a research assistant in psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Missouri.^{^[4]} His parents died early and the war was about to happen, so he tried to join the navy by attending Annapolis; but a deviated septum kept him out. With the urging of his mother’s family and help from the Deloge family, who were part of the AFS in World War One^{^[5]}, Dad joined as a volunteer Ambulance Driver in the American Field Service in World War Two. His military experience consisted of attending the Culver Military Academy and basic ROTC at the University of Missouri. Dad’s aunt Josephine P. Winter was also an ambulance driver, already in France. We don’t know which outfit she drove with though. Records are poor; we do know she managed to escape ahead of the Nazis, which at least paper proclaiming her to be an American spy.. These passages are a letter to my son on the value of doing humanitarian work, and a commemoration of the service of my relatives and their friends.

Like many veterans, Dad never spoke very much about his service. Though he did relate some things, what I know mostly comes from the memories of0 fellow drivers or, the archives of the American field Service in New York, newspaper clippings, old photos in Dad’s collection and a few books. Manning Field, the author and driver, did remember however that we pronounce our name Raider.[6]

Little doubt in my mind about the bravery of the drivers who were often strafed and bombed by the Germans. Here is one comment by the New Zealand Army.

“The ASC drivers attached to the field ambulances played a vital part in the evacuation of wounded in all battles, especially in the summer battles of 1942, as also did the American Field Service drivers with their ambulance cars. The latter distinguished themselves by their keenness to go forward of the RAPs, often dashing out into the desert to try to collect pilots who had baled out from our planes in the dogfights overhead.”^{^[7]}

Another similar comment “The American Field Service ambulance drivers continued to do excellent work for the New Zealand Division. All were keen to be where the fighting was thickest, and their invaluable help not only simplified the evacuation of casualties but enabled wounded to be operated on much earlier, and thus greatly enhanced their chances of recovery.”^{^[8]}

Of enormous help were photos by Dad and fellow drivers and especially A Line A Day: Five Year Diary, the daily dairy of Arthur Faulstich, a driver and pal of my father’s. This was given to me to review and reproduce in March, 2007 by his widow, along with pictures. This diary (which has never before seen the light of day) provided a daily context to life beyond the battles, and though Dad is only mentioned a few times, many of the experiences were shared. For purposes of history, I have also scanned and retyped the entire diary and then added notes from others and my own content. Think fo the diary as a skeleton. To be read along with this manuscript is a PowerPoint presentation of photographs from my father’s collection and those of Arthur Faulstich. Anything in quotes in the daily entries comes from the Faulstich Dairy called “A Line a Day,” unless otherwise noted. All photos belong to my father, unless otherwise noted.

Dad was born in 1918 and by the time the war broke out, his parents had passed away. He was protected by the Winter family of St. Louis, his mother’s kin, which are still in St. Louis and close to the Roeder family. Dad really wanted to be in the Navy, something he wanted for me as well, and studied sailing at Culver Military Academy; but a deviated septum kept him out of Annapolis. ^{^[9]} He had also studied medicine at Gradwohl Medical Laboratory School, Missouri University, St. Louis.^{^[10]} and considered a career in dentistry because one of his uncles was George Ben Wade Winter, a former President of the American Dental Association and an innovator in the use of x-rays and tooth extractions, the later then a leading cause of pain and infection.

Although Dad never spoke much about the war, one of his funniest stores involves the AFS. Once in the western desert around the battle of Tobruk, a British soldier complained that he was hearing voices. Dad asked him where the voices were coming from, and the soldier replied that they were coming from his teeth. After an examination, Dad and others told him that there was a short circuit in the teeth caused by a recent injury and then attached a wire from an ear lobe to the ground and said this would ground the circuit, thus ending the voices; which it did. Just goes to show what a medical background can do for you.^{^[11]}

Dad was recognized for his service by Culver Stockton in a service at Christian Church, Canton Missouri, October 11, 1946, a ceremony attended by both Arthur Faulstich and his wife, and then like most drivers, his service lay forgotten in the mists.^{^[12]} Neither the British nor the American governments recognized the drivers as veterans, according to my father; however, I learned in 2007 that “Your comment that "Neither the British nor the American governments recognized the drivers as veterans" isn't correct as 50% of AFS drivers have been recognized as veterans since 1990.[13]. Of course, the program was approved by the Department of State and the enlistment required Dad to follow the regulations of the British Armies, yet none of that mattered when applying for American veterans rights, given his location I guess. AFS did say that “The AFS drivers were volunteers attached to the British armies. so there's no formal discharge or recognition. However, you could purchase the British medals your father would have received for his service ( The Africa Star, 1939-45 Star and The War Medal) from Spink & Son in London. Here's Spink's website for your information. http://www.spink.com/home_page/index.asp.^{^[14]}

RoederNewsP002

The photograph above was in the archives of the Winter family and comes from St. Louis Post Dispatch. I don’t have a date on it yet. Must have been in October though of 1941, as Dad enlisted on October 13.

Dad’s Address in Saint Louis was 2815 Wheaton Avenue, St. Louis (address of a friend). Next of kin identified as Robert G. Winter (an uncle)-- address Louderman Bldg, St. Louis, Mo.). [15]

afsWWI

Terminology (most of which were provided by AFS driver Evan Thomas)

Ø Dad:. This is of course my father, Dr Larry Winter Roeder, Phd

Ø RMO: British Regimental Medical Officer. Every infantry battalion or artillery regiment has one, as well as stretcher bearers.

Ø RAP The RMO a Regimental Aid Post – a truck or dugout near battalion HQ and is the first point center of treatment for a wounded man.

Ø Field Ambulance: This is a unit not a vehicle. When a casualty leaves a RAP he goes to a Field Ambulance. Might have 8-12 doctors for example, perhaps employs twenty ambulances. The job of ambulances is to transport patients from the RAP to the ADS and then the MDS, described below.

Ø ADS and MDS: A Field Ambulance is divided into three companies one which establishes an ADS (Advance Dressing Station), while the other two establish MDS, main Dressing Stations to the rear.

Ø CCS or Casualty Clearing Station: Patient are usually carried from the MDS to a Casualty Clearing Station (a very large mobile hospital) by ambulances belonging to a Motor Ambulance Convoy.

Ø Motor Ambulance Convoy: Group of vehicles commanded by a medical corps officer by operated by service corps personnel. Patients transport from the CCS go back to base and general hospitals belonging to a ACC

Ø ACC Ambulance Car Company. Part fo the service corps and commanded by a service corps officer. ACC’s and MAC’s get mixed up.

Ø NAAFI: Navy, Army, Air Force Institute. In other words, the official bar.

afsWWI

Events by the Day 1941-1943

1941

Readers need to be aware that many of the notations are by Arthur Faulstich, who served with my father in ME1 in the American field Service. In his diary called “A Line a Day ,” he makes references to Dad and because many of their experiences were shared, these quotes should present daily life for Dad as well. Also included in this section are photos from my Dad, some of his recollections and some research myself and some of the drivers.

Sunday, Nov 2, 1941 Roeder and others Leave Union Station

dadpassport003

“Left Union Station with Larry Roeder and Tom Depew at noon. Mr. Ganneau Weld was there to see us off. Berth at 12, Slightly tight with bourbon.” Note by Roeder: Ganneau was actually Garneau Weld, a World War One driver.[16]

Monday, Nov 3, 1941

“Arrived in New York 09:30 am. Met Mr. Richmond and others at Headquarters. Lunch at the Automat.^{^[17]} Saw $5 worth of some Dentist. Stopping at the Pennsylvania Hotel^{^[18]}. With Jim Foster from Minnesota. Dinner at Manning Field’s home. Slightly tight.”

Note: Carlos Manning Field was a Lt in ME1, Dad’s unit and came from Pace Institute, Brooklyn, New York.^{^[19]}

Tuesday, Nov 4, 1941 Drinks and Bull with Larry Roeder & Jim

“Up at the crack of noon. Climbed the Statue of Liberty. Bought camera. Leaving Thursday at 2pm. Dinner, taxi, dance, show and a few drinks with Jim and Larry, a bull session and to bed slightly tight.” Dad received his passport which was issued on this Date.^{^[20]}

Wednesday, Nov 5, 1941

“Met the unit from California at Grand Central Station at 8:15pm. Cocktail party at 666 Park Ave., Martinis galore. Burlesque show. Met Larry Conners, Carl Robinson, etc, To bed slightly tight.” Note: The reference to 666 is interesting. The building was constructed in the 1920’s and is considered one of the more interesting town houses in New York. For sale in 2007 for 9 million dollars.

Thursday Nov 6, 1941 Dad Gets Red Cross Geneva Card

Dad’s card is shown in attached powerpoint presentation. According to Faulstich, “Left NY at 3pm. Destination unknown. Received Red Cross arm band, Geneva Card. Stopped in Boston for a dinner given by drivers of last war. (unreadable) train will be fortified with scotch and bourbon.”

Friday, Nov 7^th, 1941

“Rode all day enroute to Halifax Canada. Bunked in a group of the Old Immigration Building. All letters are to be censored.” According to Belshaw, “We gathered in New York city at the beginning of November, entrained Nov 6 for Halifax, joined 20,000 British troops ferried over from the UK, boarded 6 US Navy troop ships and sailed with a US navy escort of one carrier, one cruiser, and half a dozen destroyers. Bear in mind the US was not yet in the war, but here was our navy hauling British troops.”^{^[21]}

Travel on the West Point

Saturday, Nov 8^th, 1941

“Up at 7am for breakfast. Took in the town and detached to watch baggage for 2 hours. Packed and went aboard the US Troop transport West Point about midnight. Twenty one to a room. No room for luggage (some stuff).”

Sunday Nov 9, 1941

“Up at 11am. The ships a crowed mess. Lines of British soldiers, 3 floors down for meal. 2/3 of the AFS complaining. Group leaders went ashore for food. All in all, the whole ships a blinken, bloody mess. No shore leave.”

Monday, Nov 10, 1941

“Still in Harbor at 8am. Sail out 8:30am. Convoyed by 9 destroyers, 2 cruisers, 1 aircraft carrier for our 6 armed troop transports carrying 30,000 troops. All American ships. Gun crews on constant duty ready for action. Food terrible – soup, sausage and bread for dinner on Sun. Hash like rubber with potatoes and bread for breakfast plus stinking tea, but as a whole I’m having a good time. Crashed the Officer’s movie last night. Have a drunken engagement with a member of the crew at 9 tonight. So far Jim Foster and I are getting the lion’s share of what there is to get. All flashlights have been taken for duration of the voyage. Water is very scarce, washing is almost impossible. All radios collected. Mooched some cake from the cook and to bed about 11.”

Tuesday, Nov 11, 1941

“ Looks like our first taste of war. Food rotten and many washing their mess kits in the crapper bowls. Probably one of the most crowded troop ships in the war. It’s a wonderful sight to see the destroyers cruisers and planes on duty protecting the convoy – as there are not enough life boats to hold all, we have no life boat drills. Last night we were supposed to be in the sub zone. No one sea sick yet.”

Wednesday, Nov 12, 1941 Roeder and Faulstich hit the Peanut Butter

“Up at 6:30. Entered the gulf stream and slept on the deck. Army band gave a concert on deck. This evening Larry Roeder and I hit his peanut butter, and I was warned about taking seconds at meals. Damn this ship. At 9pm the bourbon, scotch and rye began to flow freely. Larry Ball becoming blind drunk caused quite a row. Cussing the lily-faced moth eaten limey bastards, he was dropped off to the brig, after two hours of turmoil. Results, Room 58 confined to quarters – Entire room is searched.” ^{^[22]}

Thursday, Nov 13, 1941

“All cameras taken and our entire state-room confined. (unreadable) has it that we will forfeit shore leave in cape Town. All port holes closed at 4:30pm. Cabin sick as hell. Slept in corridor as it rained most of the night.”

Friday, Nov 14, 1941

“Hynes and I to clean cabin today for inspection. Morale among the British troops is surprisingly high although they claim if granted no shore leave at Cape Town they will mutiny. Sleeping conditions unbearable – against orders, Flash Bowen and I slept on deck – due to overcrowded conditions on board. There is rumor we will drop 2100 troops at Trinidad. For breakfast this morning beans, rice, tea.”

Note by Roeder on Crosswell Bowen

crosswell1095501

There were several Bowen as volunteers; but this was Crosswell Bowen who served in ME1. He was Yale student from New York. Later he became the biographer of Eugene O’Neil. ^{^[23]}

According to his daughter Betsy Bowen, “Was an official photographer for AFS and sent them his negatives. Was paralyzed partially from polio that he might have contracted on trip to India. Gave over negatives from hospital bed, which have been since lost. Involved in the end with finding commonality with the wounded. Did a set of memoirs linking German, Italian and allied wounded.[24]

Saturday, Nov 15, 1941 Enter Caribbean Sea

“Up at 5:30. Entered the Caribbean Sea and saw land the first time in six days. Slept on deck, with the stench of 6080 soldiers feet and unbathed bodies.”

Sunday, Nov 16, 1941

“No Mass on board, but I attended the British services, which were very impressive, the prayers and singing of hymns while the cruisers, destroyers and airplanes constantly on guard and gun crews stood ready for action. At about 2 pm the field service went into its first bit of action, about 500 of the soldiers got ptomaine poisoning, while some heroic SB volunteered to give my 3 blankets for their comfort. After 2 hours hunt I finally forced secured them among the sick, which stunk from the vomit and looseness of bowels.”

Monday Nov 17, 1941 Reach Port of Spain Trinidad

No shore leave was allowed The passengers must have been stir crazy,” sixteen to fetid stateroom, portholes tight shut in the blackout.”^{^[25]} “Haircut, shave, shampoo, tonic is an air cooled barber shop on board ship. Dropped anchor at Port of Spain Trinidad. 10:30am Met Joe Reaves, a sailor from St. Louis. Finished the day by frying bacon and eggs with canned heat hidden in the bath room. All in all it was a stinking but rotten, disappointing day.”

Tuesday Nov 18, 1941

A Line a Day “Everyone crying. 30 cases of dysentery in the AFS. Food rotten. Ship stinks. The body odors and crowded quarters stink to high heaven. Joe Reaves brought me a large box of crackers to go with the peanut butter. Bob Sullivan landed in the brig.^{^[26]} The peanut butter turned out to be a life saver about 11pm.

Wednesday, Nov 19. 1941

A Line a Day “Got under way about 3pm. Strong rumors there are submarines about. Everyone putting passports and Geneva cards in waterproof wrappings in money belts. Betting of one to twenty that will be hit by torpedo before sunrise (I think it’s bull ok) I’m more worried about better food than submarines. Stew about 5 meals in succession in a dining room of about 99 degrees.”

Thursday, Nov 20, 1941

“Thanksgiving Day on the USS Stew Point. Very boring day. Movies but too crowded. Rumor has it we dropped several depth charges last night.”

Friday, Nov 21,1941

“Swimming in the indoor pool. The pollywogs raised their flag and turned the ship into turmoil. The shell backs (men who have been over the equator) were drenched, their hair cut in various designs and in general hell was raised over the ship. Ship officers, troop officers, Majors, no was exempt from the razing. Sunday King Neptune will reign and the shell backs will initiate all those who not been across. I shudder to think of my turn.”

Saturday Nov 22, 1941

“Larry Ball broke his ankle trying to escape from the pollywogs last night. At 4pm we had a bit of excitement. A destroyer and airplane sighted a submarine. The alarm sounded and all put on life jackets, filled mussette bags and waited in their state-rooms. In case of trouble, there should be some excitement, as experts claim there would be 90 per cent lost if the ship would sink, due to overcrowded conditions. There are only lifeboats for the crew. None for the troops or the field Service – just found out that several depth bombs had been released, results unknown. God, the peanut butter is a God send.”

Note by Roeder: a musette bag mussette_bag was probably the M-1936, a general purpose carry devise with a long strap used by all services and theaters throughout the war.

Sunday November 23, 1941 On the West Point. Larry Roeder is Observer

westpoint01

Larry Roeder (above) on the sports desk of the West Point as an Observer, I imagine to look for submarine traffic.

westpoint02

Larry above undated photo on West Point

“Swimming in the morning. 3pm. The preliminaries of the initiation began. Meefier and Crosswell Bowen (of unclear text) were tied to the rail and the fire hose turned on them.. The men were called before Davey Jones and his court. Their crimes were read in public and were given some punishment to endure till the following day, when the real initiation of the pollywogs takes place.”

Monday Nov 24, 1941 Dad Crossed Lat zero, Long 40, 28W

Dad Crossed Lat zero, Long 40, 28W on USS West Point bound south for Capetown in Union of South Africa^{^[27]}.

dadpassport007

According to Faulstich “Kept hidden all morning as the initiation of the pollywogs took place. It was very interesting, impressive and colorful performance. In the midst of the celebration a general alarm sounded. A submarine was sighted a few thousand yards from the ship. Depth bombs were dropped but the results were unknown. The celebrating went on as though nothing bad happened. Tar and oil were rubbed over ones head and barbers were in demand and a 100 other means of torture. The day ended successfully as we fried bacon, hidden in the locked bathroom, also peanut butter and oranges.”

Note by Roeder: Judging by many accounts, including that of Faulstich, this must have been quite the voyage, as it was the second operational mission for the West Point, formerly the SS America, America's largest passenger liner. It was also the first time it carried troops. After five days working-up exercises off the Virginia Capes, West Point returned to Norfolk on June 20th 1941, for additional refitting. Appropriately, her first assignment proved to be the ship's first Atlantic crossing. She embarked 137 Italian and 327 German consular officials off Staten Island on 16th July and landed them at Lisbon on the 23rd. With 321 American and 67 Chinese consular staff and their families, West Point sailed three days later for New York and arrived on August 1st. To join the unprecedented American convoy WS-12 carrying British troops a month before Pearl Harbor, West Point sailed from Portsmouth, Virginia, on November 3rd. 1941, to Halifax to embark 5,443 personnel of the British 55th. Brigade, 18th. Division and 100 U.S. Army personnel for Basra. Escorted by the Aircraft Carrier Ranger, cruisers Quincy and Vincennes, and eight destroyers. America was at war by the time Cape Town was reached on December 9th. Thence, West Point and Wakefield proceeded directly to Bombay escorted by H.M.S. Dorsetshire and arrived on the 27th. Dad loved South Africa and Bombay, the first for its beauty. In Bombay, he received training, while it was decided where ME1 would go.

The USS West Point (AP-23),was the converted ocean liner SS America, and the Navy's largest troop transport ship. The troop passengers ate twice daily, out of their mess kits, standing up in their mess hall, perhaps because so many traveled on the ship. On May 27, 1941 President Roosevelt issued a proclamation of Unlimited National Emergency. The AMERICA was drafted into the US Navy and renamed U.S.S WEST POINT. The Ship accomplished 145 missions in the Pacific and Atlantic. Traveled 436,144 nautical miles and carried 505,020 passengers. Reportedly sunk seven times by Axis Sally, she never suffered a mechanical breakdown and never failed to carry out a mission.^{^[28]}

"The Queen of the luxury liners"-in just 11 days she was stripped of her finery and converted into the U.S. Navy's largest troop carrier.; Decommissioned and Transferred the Maritime Commission, 28 February 1946 at Norfolk VA; Struck from the Naval Register, 12 March 1946; Reconverted for mercantile service at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry-dock Co., Newport News, VA; Required by United States Line, renamed SS America; Sold to Chandris Shipping Line, October 1964, renamed SS Australis; Laid up at Timaru, New Zealand, 1977; Sold to Venture Cruise Lines, 1978, renamed SS America; Resold to Chandris Shipping Line, 1978; renamed SS Italia; Sold to Silver Moon Ferries Ltd., renamed SS Alfredoss; Sold 1992 to Chaophraya Transport Co., renamed SS American Star, Final disposition, while under tow grounded and destroyed, January 1994 at Fuertventura Canary Islands. Specifications: Displacement 26,455 t.(lt) 35,400 t.(fl).; Length 723'; Beam 93' 3"; Draft 32' 9" ; Speed 24kts; Complement 512;Troop Capacity 8,175; Armament four single 5"/38 dual purpose gun mount, four 3"/50 guns, eight .50 cal machine guns; Propulsion, Steam turbine,^{^[29]}

	Just prior to her renaming and dry-docking as the AMERICAN STAR, the former pride of the US merchant marine sat in the waters of Eleusis, unused for thirteen years. She is shown as the ALFERDOSS in October of 1992 in this image. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego^{^[30]}
	SS West Point 1941-1946
SS West Point Engine Room. I visited this room on a cruise after the ship reentered civilian service.

Tuesday November 25, 1941 Boxing Match

“Boxing tourney aboard. Bob Sullivan was in K.O. Nickels lost a close decision. We were told today that our job did not consist of saving lives, but of getting as many men as possible back to the front. Quite a blow to many of the (uncertain text) in the crowd. The latest rumor is the French Fleet is shelling Cape Town and coming to intercept our convoy.”

Note: There was a Nichols in ME1, one Wendell Lloyd Nichols from Brookline, Mass.^{^[31]} Bob Sullivan, of Irish and Boston heritage was in the heavyweight finals against Command Sergeant Major Southgate of the “King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry…. Bill Nichols and Andy Geer were seconds..” Sadly, Sully later died a US marine at the landing of Saipan.^{^[32]}

It looks like a number of AFS volunteers used their experience as a basis for combat duty in one or another armed forces. Scott Gilmore joined the British Gurkas. After the war, my father used his experience to help him join the American Foreign Service in order to start his career in diplomacy.

Wednesday November 26, 1941

“Several boats are said to have been sighted about dusk recently. As they not answer our signaling, evidently they must have been enemy raiders. Raided the kitchen this evening of a good supply of cake.”

Thursday November 27, 1941

“One man overboard. The boat did not stop to pick him up. Aircraft Carrier left us. Raided the troop’s kitchen.”

Friday November 28, 1941

“Dull, dreary, cloudy day. Swimming in the morning. Another general alarm, no subs sighted. Raided the kitchen after blackout, pumpkin pie and cake for Davey Jones, Roeder and myself.”

Saturday, November 29, 1941

“The officers would give us no information as to what happened during yesterday’s alarm. Evidently something did occur, as the officers promised to let us know in a few days. But Sullivan won the heavyweight championship of the USS West Point. Raided the kitchen. Chicken and kid beans.”

Sunday, November 30, 1941

“After three weeks of sailing we finally have an abandon boat drill. It takes us 2 ½ hours to reach a lower open deck, where we are to jump overboard (fine stuff). We are to stand idly by while we watch 6018 Tommies march to salty. (a perfect death trap) The officers claim it’s the best they can so will cross our fingers. Davey Jones, Jim foster and myself seem to be the only ones not starving at night. Awakened at midnight by Jones, who stole a whole roast chicken, hot rolls, tea.”

^{^[33]}

Monday, December 1, 1941

“Just learned that we traveled 100 miles out of our way last Friday to dodge four submarines. A few destroyers left the convoy, if they were successful, no one knows. Had our first 1^st Aid lesson. Again were successful in mooching a midnight snack.”

Tuesday, December 2, 1941

“Traveled about 200 miles in last 24 hours (not so good). Everyone anxiously awaiting shore leave in Cape Town or Durbin. Am officer claimed we have picked up the sound of 4 groups of subs in last few days by sound detectors. As nine bells rings in the USS WP and all lights are out, half of the Field Service begin their nightly prowl for food. Most of the boys are very unsuccessful, but up to now Davey Jones and I have never failed. With our connections we usually are able to dodge all MP’s and have enough, and some to share with others.”

Wednesday, December 3, 1941

Worked with the crew from 9:30 to 11:30am. Ship traveled in three complete circles t avoid something (I wish to hell they would tell us). Davey Jones got a job in the Bakery that means Dear Diary think I’ll eat pleasantly. Spent the evening in the forbidden kitchen with Jim Foster.”

Note by Roeder: : James McDougal Foster was with ME1, a native of Detroit Lakes, Michigan and the University of Michigan, In addition, he was the son of an AFS volunteer from World War One..^{^[34]}

Thursday, December 4, 1941

“Hideous Hynes the Housekeeper, today ended his 7 days fatigue (housekeeping) for dressing like a crew member and eating in their mess hall. Saw “King of Alcatraz.” News Flash. Orders came that everyone caught in the kitchen will forfeit their leave in Cape Town. (I’ll have to be careful tonight.).”

Friday December 5, 1941

“Bad breakfast. Bad dinner, bad supper. A slight argument with the kitchen over a piece of jelly bread ended in my favor. Left the kitchen about 9pm, three steps ahead of an MP with 2 hot loafs of bread and 1 pound of jam.”

Saturday, December 6, 1941

“Another lecture on first aid. Sea heavy and strong winds. Everyone getting ready for a wild time in Cape Town, warned against entering section 6 and drinking “Skorkion.” Again successful at kitchen.”

Sunday, December 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor Day

Very cool. At 9pm last night it was light enough to read a newspaper. Another warning. No American money to be used in Cape Town. Our money to be changes to South African pounds on board before leaving. Also do not associate with black women. (I’m afraid the boys won’t draw the color line). Lecture on venereal disease in Officer’s mess. Everyone in good spirits and ready for shore leave. About 11pm while reading in the fire escape I received my fist word of WAR between Japan and USA. Word spread like wildfire and discussions were held in the night.”^{^[35]} My Dad mentioned that some wanted to go into the regular forces but were prevented by their contract, Belshaw made a similar point in a letter to me in which he said “…and about 25 days out and 5 days before we reached Capetown, Pearl Harbor was hit. Some wanted to leave AFS to join regular forces, but the US Stated Department (to whom we answered) said we should stay with AFS because we were already close to helping the war effort.”^{^[36]}

Monday, December 8, 1941

“it is rather hard to realize that we are at war, but everything goes on as usual except a few more rumors. We are traveling due north now and probably have traveled about 10 or 11 thousand miles since leaving Halifax, due to the zig zag course.”^{^[37]}

Tuesday December 9, 1941

After 20 days at sea, since Trinidad, I saw my first glimpse of South Africa. We docked about 2pm It was a comical sight to see the Negro dock hands fight for cigarettes and coins. At exactly 6:10pm I first set foot in Cape Town, South Africa. After seeing the business section of town we finally landed at the Queens Hotel at Seapoint. Four bottles of win at 2 ½ shillings a bottle and cigars at 3 shillings apiece. Larry Roeder, Jim Foster and I met Lt. (not sure of spelling) and a party of officers who paid for scotch and sodas, taxis and saw to it that we got into the officers dance. Danced with an English girl (not bad) and made it back in time.^{^[38]}

queenshotel

Queen’s Hotel, Cape Town^{^[39]}

Wednesday December 10, 1941

Shore leave 11am. Handsome AFS men’s glasses required. Sightseeing with six of the group to Seapoint, and all points in Capetown. Went through Malaya quarters (Section 6) where no white troops or officers are allowed. All the lobster we could eat and drinks at the International Hotel and dinner at the Royal Café. The population is almost half Dutch and half English, both languages spoken. Took the train to Kelvin Grove and here I met Crosswell Bowen (the mood man of the AFS). Dance and Drinks. So far I have not been able to get a drink “Skorkion.”

Note by Roeder: Kelvin Grove today at least is a mountain retreat in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg’s Champagne Valley Area.

Thursday, December 11, 1941

“The people of Capetown are probably the most hospitable in the world. Invitations to dinner and clubs, by perfect strangers are the rule, not the exception. Went to Muizenberg by rail. Surf swimming on a beautiful white beach. Two dinners within one hour and a two hour job of dragging Bob Wilson (dead drunk) to the ship in the patrol wagon, on the train and on my back.”

Note by Roeder: Muizenberg is a famous sea side resort surrounded by grand mansions from the time Dad would have gone there during the war. My father said he really liked Cape Town and its famous table Mountain. I have to think that given his friendship with Faulstich and the fact Dad was strong swimmer, he would have sought out Muizenberg (or False Bay), famous for surfing.


	These pictures are from tourist shots on the internet taken in 2007

Friday December 12, 1941

Accompanied John Stockly to his friend’s home, John Bosman of Wynberg South Africa, whose daughter married General Smuts’s son. Picked strawberries, figs and took a hike in the forest where we could hear the barking of baboons.”

Saturday December 13, 1941 Leave Capetown

“Sailed from Capetown about 8am after a very enjoyable four days ashore. After sailing out a few miles we turned and sailed back. Left again 5pm. An article appeared in the Cape Town paper where the Japs claimed they would get this convoy before it got 72 hours out of port. As the towns of Durban and Cape Town are the convoy ports the waters between are said to be dangerous. Rumors as to where we are going fill the air, Cairo, Bombay, Singapore. I doubt anyone knows. Saw the movie “Women against Women” on board this evening.”

Sunday, December 14, 1941

“Only nine more shopping days until Xmas. I can’t help but wondering how the hunting season is making out in Missouri – 34 deserters in Capetown and 4 men killed in the Malaya Quarters (Section 6). At noon all the warships left us, except one cruiser to guard troop ships for a month’s trip. Received shots for diphtheria and tetanus. No doubt we are sailing well into the Indian Ocean by now.”

Monday Dec 15, 1941

“Woke up feeling rather sick. Latest rumor is that we are to get off at Mombassa on the Eastern Coast of central Africa, the big game center. Confined to bunk most of the day with dysentery and effect of shots.”

British Battle Cruiser Repulse.

From Connecticut Yankee, we also learned that at some point in the Indian Ocean, the British battle cruiser Repulse passed close and the troops on Board Dad’s ship lined the rail to cheer. The repulse saluted in return, which in naval terms, means the guns were fired or flags were used.^{^[40]} This is an odd story. Dad left Capetown on December 13. The Repulse had been sunk three days earlier. . The Repulse (a World War One vessel) arrived in Singapore on Dec 2, 1941. Singapore was attacked by Japan early in the morning of Dec 8, local time. US Naval records show the vessel was sunk on Dec 10 East of Malaya on its way from Singapore in order to intercept an invasion fleet. Unless of course the Book Connecticut Yankee got the ship wrong or just the dates might be in error. HMS Battleship Revenge relieved Repulse in November, then on Indian Ocean duty but it too was away in December for a refit, having left Aden on Nov 14^th

repulse repulse2

Repulse as see from a port hole on left.^{^[41]} Picture on right Dec 10, 1941 Ship to left on fire from aerial bombardment.

revenge

Picture of the Revenge, which I suspect was the ship really seen from the rail. Left Aden on Nov 14^th for refitting in the UK in December.

Tuesday, Dec 16, 1941

“Spent one hellava night. Slept about one hour all night. Sick all day. Weather turning very hot and sultry.^{^[42]}

Wednesday, Dec 17, 1941

Fred Hoeing says “hello” dear diary as he wipes the sweat of his long body. Feeling much better. Another first aid lecture on shock. Massacred by the troop’s barber for 10 cents.^{^[43]} Note: Frederick Walbridge Hoeing (born 1897) was a Lt. Col in Me1 from Amherst and Harvard, home town was Rochester, NY. Hoeing would alter be awarded an honorary membership and officer ship in the Order of the British Empire.^{^[44]}

Thursday, Dec 18, 1941

Movie this morning. General alarm at 5:15am After 40 days of sailing we should be between Africa and Madagascar.

Friday December 19, 1941

Slept on deck, and the whole British army except one private stopped and walked all over me. Many new Bren machine Gun emplacements are being put upon the ship. Evan Thomas advanced in the novice boxing on a TKO. Saw Jane Withers in “Checkers.” ^{^[45]} Note: Film was three/four years old by then, having been released in 1937.

Saturday: December 20, 1941

Water, water, everywhere – Just about ready to shoot the albatross. Everyone hoping to get off at Mombassa as everyone is bored and fed up on board. Worked out for the Tug-of-war team. Slept on deck and soiled a blanket with soot.^{^[46]}

Sunday Dec 21 1941 Mombassa

(uncertain text) hot as hell. We sailed past Mombassa and the next port should be Bombay, India, just about 6000 miles out of our way. (Morale mighty low). Depew won his first round on a TKO.

Monday Dec 22 1941 Arabian Sea

Gentleman Jim Foster polished off his 1^st man (boxing tourney) timer 1 ¼ minutes somewhere in the Arabian Sea. Finished our sixth lecture in first aid. Sent my overcoat t the navy for the Xmas play. Crossed the equator about 4am for the second time.

Tuesday Dec 23 1941

Meeting at 10am. Told to prepare to leave ship after Bombay, India. Carry enough in muzette bag to last 36 hours, especially toilet paper. Tom DePew won his second round on TKO. Saw Alice Faye in Barricade.

Wednesday Dec 24, 1941

The day before Xmas, and the practicing of the Carolers makes me slightly home sick. So far, I’ve taken a bath and shaved in preparation for the great day, but I don’t expect a hilarious Xmas. Jim Foster lost a close fight to Captain Darbey – eight of us formed the “tug of war” team and lost the first time. It was amusing to see the various ways the teams spent Xmas eve. Many sang carols on the sport deck, others loudly cheered a tug of war while other hung or took down their laundry. I celebrated it with two loaves of hot bread and five pounds of jam I stole from the kitchen.

Thursday, Dec 25, 1941

Christmas day. Various church service are being held. Free ice cream at 09:00 for the AFS. Even on board ship, the spirit of Xmas somehow exists. Attended services at 11am on prom deck. Meals were excellent for one day.

Friday, Dec 26, 1941

Everyone packing for a very indefinite stay in Bombay. Saw “Bombay Clipper” at the movies. Note: This is a fascinating entry since the film wasn’t released until mid January, 1942 in the United States. Was their pre-release version different than the release version – and when was it loaded on the ship?

bombayclipper

Saturday, December 27, 1941 Landing at Bombay

bombay

Modern section of Bombay, Above photo by Larry Roeder

Almost two weeks out from Capetown and ship speeding up to dock of Bombay, India, the land of the snake-charmers, mystic temples, bazaars and sacred cows. This takes us approximately 6000 miles out of our way, to Cairo Egypt. At 3pm we dropped anchor in the harbor of Bombay. Again raided the kitchen for several loaves of bread for the cabin.

Sunday, December 28, 1941 No shore leave in Bombay today, as it’s Sunday. The exchange here is 32 cents for one Indian Rupee and 2 cents for one anna. Our orders are to proceed to Puna, about 120 miles from Bombay, a supposed to be, great spot for various sports including pig-sticking, hunting, riding and football. Note: For today: Puna is widely considered the cultural capital of Marathi-speaking Maharashtrians. Pune or Puna has a reputation for its several esteemed colleges and educational institutions -- the reason why it is called the Oxford of the East (or 'Oxford of India').

Monday December 29, 1941

After being warned not to touch any of the Sacred cows, dogs, etc., to stay out of forbidden temples and native sections of city, we were allowed to go ashore (I expect to meet all of the fellows in the forbidden parts). We hired two horse drawn carriages and took in some of the most amazing scenes in the world, the native bazaar, the forbidden native section with its rows of cell like houses of prostitution, the deformed beggar temple, where the vultures, etc., the dead, the sacred cows and colorful garb of the turban and fezed natives. After the day in Bombay I can see why the British will not grant them their independence – drinks at the Majestic Hotel and the Taj-Majhal.

Tuesday December 30, 1941 Train to Deolali

toDeollali

Faulstich is tall guy looking at Camera. Larry Roeder took picture. Around 11am. Dec 30, 1941 Note the III on the car, which means “third class.” This is confirmed by driver Evan Thomas.^{^[47]}

Deolali was a reinforcement base for British forces, about ninety miles in land from Bombay.. Evan Thomas has a similar experience to Dad and his St. Louis friend Faulstich. First stop in India was Bombay and then within 24 hours on “third-class railway carriages” with lots of Tommies, British troops. ^{^[48]} Today “Deolali Camp is an important Indian military center. Deolali camp which is one of the oldest center in India, is located 16 km away from Nashik. The center was set up by the British in 1861. The area surrounded with gardens, playgrounds and wide roads proves its uniqueness. An officer of the rank of Major General holds the position of the head of the Artillery school here. Beyond Military center Deolali market is famous for shopping. Also Temple Hill nearby is worth visiting. On the hill there is a famous temple of lord Khandoba, hence the hill is popularly known as Khandobachi Tekadi In the days of the British Raj, soldiers who cracked up under the stresses and strains of life in British India were invariably packed off to a military psychiatric hospital in the small Maharashtrian cantonment town of Deolali, near Nashik, to recover. Its name became synonymous with nervous breakdown; hence the English idiom "to go doolally", meaning to become insane or eccentric. “

Lord Khandoba at Deolali

“Up at 6:15am. Left Bombay at 11am, Issued Pith helmets and canteen. A six hour train ride to Deolali about 125 miles from Bombay. Arrived at camp about 7pm and hired Indian servant boy to clean rooms, shine our shoes and shave us. Every morning for 8 anna (16 cents) a week. After a shower we had a quart of ale and cakes and to bed feeling fit about 11.”^{^[49]}

Wednesday December 31, 1941

“Our first full day in “Deolali” a British army camp. Last night was very cold and the day very hot. Laundry sent out and ironed for 1 anna (2 cents) an article. Bicycles rent for 1 rupee (33 cents) a week. Had a of sandals made to my size for four rupees. I think we will enjoy our stay in India.

“Jim Foster, ^{^[50]}Harry Grieb ^{^[51]}and I have our own room, in a long grass house, a cot made of rope and a wooden box. Rented a bicycle for the week. Bought Elephant curio and took a shower to prepare for a Happy New Year, to be celebrated in the canteen. Had our 5 o’clock tea at 4 o’clock each day. Celebrated New Year’s Eve with four quarts of Indian Ale and cakes. Jim, Harry, Fred Hoeing ^{^[52]}and myself.

1942

Thursday, January 1, 1942

“The sights in India are amazing. Spent an interesting morning in Deolali. Saw an Indian wedding, which was really picturesque, Indian girls of 12 carrying babies with large ornaments in their nose and around toes. The untouchables, completely veiled. Jim and Charlie Shearman ^{^[53]}had their bikes stolen this afternoon. Took 36 pictures which did not take. Spent the evening in the canteen, pop two anna a bottle and cakes.


Larry Roeder in full uniform (above) with pit helmet.^{^[54]}

Friday, January 2, 1942 Nasik India

Up at 6:30. Nights are very cool. Sleep under five blankets, days very warm. Had our first drilling this am. Found out there is a Catholic church in the vicinity. Took a 20 mile bicycle trip to Nasik, a large Indian city. In the evenings drill, not hearing to order to “left” I marched by myself, while the whole squad turned left. As monkeys are cheap, about 2 rupees (64 cents) one of the boys bought me, the first thing it did was urinate on my blanket (the little sb)

nasik

This picture is from archives of Arthur Faulstich, Me1, given Roeder Archives March 2007. Size 5”x4”. Larry Roeder is back extreme right in pit helmet and mustache.

Picture appears to be in the 2000-yr-old Pandavleni caves, built by the Jain kings on a tableland atop the Trivashmi Hill.

Saturday, January 3, 1942

Last night, the boys got the money drunk on beer. Wotta life. Our bearer gets up 5 minutes before reville and brings us hot tea in bed (if only I liked tea). We have the damned drink about a dozen times a day. Had a pair of sandals made t order 4 rupees. Life here is quite different than on the West Point. Our bearer brings tea for us in bed every morning, dries our dishes, puts our bicycles away, shines all of our shoes about three times a day, all we do is drill each morning and we have the rest of the day to ourselves. Mailed four cards and ivory souvenirs to Eileen. Went to confession.


Ivory Souvenirs Purchased by Larry Roeder

Sunday January 4, 1942

Mass and Communion this morning. Six of the group went to Delhi. All packed for a 125 mile bicycle trip to Augranganbag but could not get a pass –

Attending a very sacred cremation, Croswell Bowen^{^[55]} offered his lighter to ignite the body. The high priest was shocked, saying the fire must come from the temple. After several futile attempts, he sided over and asked Bowen to slip him the lighter.

Monday January 5, 1942

Due to a defective camera, all 76 snap shots were ruined. Met Larry Roberts and Jerry and Teddy Ray^{^[56]} the Major’s sons at the swimming pool about 7 miles by pedal. Most of the gang on leave. Hunting is supposed to be excellent, tiger, cheetah, deer, peacock, and duck. I hope to get a gun somehow. No drilling for the next few days, and preparing to see all of the sights.

Tuesday, January 6, 1942

“Traveled 12 miles on dirt roads, on a bicycle, using our pedal, with the three English boys, to Lake Beale. “ Note: Lake Beale is visible for considerable distance while traveling by train from Bombay to Nasik on the right hand side, so no wonder the AFS drivers were interested.. “Upon arriving, the Indian Guard would not allow us entrance until I flourished my legal looking vaccination certificate, whereupon he brought out a book for each to sign his name. Carl signed F.D.R. and I Eleanor Roosevelt and Jim Frank Buck. Jim almost rode over the dam. Bought a 3^rd class train ticket and rode first class with shower and berth. Rode across the artillery range.

“Today makes one week, we are stationed in Deolali. When we asked our bearer what we owed him for the week he replied quite “The bearer is the Sahib’s servant, when the Sahib comes into the room, it is like god coming into the room. What the Sahib wishes to give is like manna from heaven.” How would you answer that?”

Wednesday, January 7, 1942

“Bicycle trip to Indian camp. Many of the troops saluted and whole columns on march turned eyes right toward us or we passed on. (We felt like asses). No doubt thinking we were officers. A common practice among the natives is to chew beetle nut so today I chewed my first beetle nuts, which sells for one anna and consists of a green leaf with a white wash paste on it, then a red paste, then nuts, roots and ground herbs sprinkled on it, then rolled up and chewed. It is supposed to be a sort of dope, but it really wasn’t bad, and had no ill effects. Four of us were invited to Major Ray’s home for five o’clock tea. Had a delightful time.

Thursday January 8, 1942 Temples of Rock and Nasik

“Left camp about 09:30 and hiked about 9 miles to see some temples carved out of solid rock on top of a mountain, then hitch hiked a ride from an Indian village to Nasik, the second holiest city in India. From there we hired a tonga (2 wheel buggy) and rode the ten miles to camp. Harry Grieb, Lee Kyle and I.^{^[57]}

Friday January 9, 1942 Towers of Silence

Hearing a lot about the sacred towers of silence, where only the Parsis (a high caste of Hindu religion) are allowed, and where they place their dead on a grate on a tower so the vultures can consume them, Jim, Bill Miller and I visited one. We climbed the walls and trod on their sacred ground. Found a partially eaten skull and a jaw bone with the teeth still intact. We were doing fine until the priest, wild eyed and threatening, threw us out, a few minutes before the police came. Flash Bowen of Collyers should have gotten some good pictures. Went to the Lumlet canteen, where Mrs. Ray, Major ray’s wife help feed the (unclear.)”

Saturday, January 10, 1942 – Larry Roeder takes a fever

“Man of the boys breaking out with various kinds of skin diseases and fevers. Larry (Roeder) in the hospital with fever Today a notice appeared n the bulletin board quote “Important notice, the towers of silence are strictly out of bounds for all ranks. To enter would be like desecrating a grave. No doubt this is due to our (unreadable) yesterday.”

Sunday January 11, 1942

Croswell Bowen ^{^[58]}is confined to Barracks due to my taking him to the towers of Silence! N doubt we all committed a sacrilege; but he was the only one caught. Mass at 08:30. Drill at 4pm. Meals rotten. Breakfast. Meat cakes and onions. Dinner tough beef potatoes, supper meat and gravy. Lucky, we can buy food at the canteen, other wise food worse than on troop ship.

Monday January 12, 1942 Larry Roeder still sick

Up at 06:30. PT at 6:45. Breakfast of meat cakes and onions at 7:15. Played tennis with Scot Gilmore ^{^[59]}and several British officers with rackets we borrowed off of the Ray boys.

Visited Larry Roeder in hospital.

Tuesday January 13, 1942 Larry Roeder still in hospital.

Route march about six miles, swim and lunch. Visited larry. Meals are absolutely the worst since leaving home. Took a tonga to the Coronation Hotel and spent the evening with Java Ale and egg sandwiches.

Wednesday January 14,1942

Drilled about 2 hours. Al Kynes and Harry Berger put in guard houses. (unreadable) for one anna. An old sergeant told us how the Indians wash our clothes. They hold them high over their heads, beat them down on a rock and say in rhythm quite ‘White man, bastard. Black man good.” Canteen and to bed.

Thursday, January 15, 1942 Larry Roeder may have Malaria

“Today is the day that a native revolution is break out. Went to Nasik and spent a very interesting day among the thousands of natives, peddlers, cloth washers etc. John Nettleton, Bill Miller and I hitchhiked both ways. Spent the evening at the Berkshire Canteen.”^{^[60]} Ramsey Campbell and went down to the hospital to see my father as well as Eugene Robbins^{^[61]}, and Leroy Krusi. They were thought to have malaria or "fever of unknown origin.".^{^[62]}

Friday January 16, 1942 Larry Roeder still in hospital

Drill until 10:30am. Played tennis with Jerry Maloney. Visited Larry.

Had a head on collision with an army truck flew over the handle bars and landed on the hood. Results. A few scratches and bent fender on the truck and bent handle bar on my bicycle. This is the third time I’ve been hot, the fourth time I suppose will be the charm.

Saturday January 17^th, 1942 Larry Roeder still in hospital

Route march, about 12 miles before dinner. Vested larry and went to confession – a sergeant who had been in Indian for about 7 years gave us the low down on sex life in the British Army in Indian (rather hard to believe).

Sunday January 18^th, 1942

Mass and communion 08:30am Played tennis at the officer’s club, with Houghton Metcalf, three ball boys and good court.

Somewhere in India, likely 1942 (above)

unknown01

Unknown Location, I suspect India (above)

india01

Monday January 19^th, 1942

Signed up for the Rugby team and the Cricket team – Tom De Pew lost about $150 when his bill fold was lifted. The bearers are being questioned – bown and bufart (hard to read) took pictures. Heard that Judy Astor one said that the ugliest things in India were the Skit Buffalo an English soldier in shorts and knee length stockings. (too true).

Tuesday January 20, 1942

The Mount Vernon, a ship in our convoy just limped into Bombay, torpedoed twice and 125 killed and wounded. We left the Mount Vernon about four days out of Mombassa, South Africa and it was missing up to now. Today makes three weeks here at Deolali – Played Volley Ball.

Natives washing in the river at (below) Deolali, January, 1942

Deolali, India 1942 (above

Wednesday January 21, 1942

Drill till 10:30. “Met Mrs. Scott (blond). Invited to Major ray’s home for tea by Molly, stayed till about 11pm and learned a lot about India and their different castes. The lowest caste sweeper will not shave himself. The Hindu will refuse to let you ride in a Tonga (taxi) if you have beef on your person. The Mohammedans at sunset will stop (no matter if it means life or death) to say his prayers. The beggar class will cripple their children so they may be successful in gaining alms.^{^[63]} The Sikes refuse to shave or cut their hair, and will not wear a tin hat or gas mask, as they claim it shows cowardness.

tonga

Typical Tonga from India. ^{^[64]}

Unknown. Likely India (above)

Thursday January 22, 1942

Drill till 10:30. Wrote a letter home to Mr. Weld. Played volley ball. Another letter to T.E. Andres (hard to read). Spent the evening with Jim, Joe Gaynor ^{^[65]}and McKenna.^{^[66]}

Friday January 23, 1942

Spent a quiet day around camp. Played volleyball. After dinner heard Davey Jones life story ^{^[67]}and visited the native village, this is out of bounds.

Saturday January 24, 1942 Larry Roeder leaves Hospital.

No drill as we should pack for our departure. Weighed myself, gained about 10 pounds. Weighed 206 without tunic. Bought some more ivory trinkets. Larry got out of the hospital – received a box of candy from Molly and Peggy as a fare-well gift. Promised to write to John McKenna, etc RE Deolali.

Sunday January 25, 1942

Mass 08:30. Spent the morning at Major ray’s home. First coffee in a month. 35 Haig Line, Deolali, India. All packed and ready to leave, to where I don’t know. Everyone got half or all the way tight, celebrating our departure. Had a hell of a good time. McKenna stayed rather late. (there is a green eyed yellow idol to the north of Kit Mandu).

Monday January 26, 1942 Transfer to the P&O SS. Talma

“Up at 2am. Breakfast and rations. Left Deolali about 5am on a troop train and arrived in Bombay about noon. Taken aboard the Talma a 48 year old tub about 2pm with about 500 mixed Indian and British troops. All assigned to one room with hammocks. As 28 of us were allowed to draw lots to see who were lucky enough to have a cabin, I was lucky enough to have my number drawn first. So Belshaw^{^[68]}, Forke, Peabody and I share a first class room, running water, sheets, pillows, etc. A buzzer to ring for the steward (some clan). Got down in the kitchen and got (?) squab, potatoes, all the trimmings and plum pudding with sauce.^{^[69]} Evan Thomas described the food on the shop for the rest of the folks in the hold as “terrible and full of animals.”^{^[70]}

Lawrence sanders recovered from his days as a POW and my father visited with him. Unfortunately, I don’t know any more than that right now, except thathe invented a type of safety razor.. The following is a picture of Lawrence “Sandy” Sanders. Note the cane. I wonder if that is from the war?

Lawrence “Sandy” Sanders. AFS. Laurence Collier Sanders was older ( about 50) than most volunteers when he joined AFS ME 1. 12 April 1891 -- Died 9 August 1951. I suspect this picture was taken in 1947 during the honeymoon of my parents in Saint Louis. They were married in Beirut; but then went on a cruise through the Mediterranean, New York, Saint Louis and California. The photo is not dated but in proximity of pictures from that trip. Sanders was PVT 357 AMB CO 315 SAN TRAIN 90 DIV U S A. Born 12 April 1891, Died 9 August 1951, Buried Arlington Cemetery, Section 34, site 3974-4. He was from Mississippi and the inventor of a type of safety razor. See patent 2532372, patented 12/5/1950. This was a safety razor with magnetic guard and the patent was submitted for approval Nov 4, 1948. I am trying to locate where the photo was taken. Given the proximity of the date of the photo and the patent, my guess is his address at both time was likely the same. It does say New York on the application, so he might have been living there.[71]

Faulstich had it easy having won the lottery for better quarters. There were two empty staterooms for those sods. My father and others were in the cargo hold. There each man had a hammock, attached to the rafters, nor five feet from the engine room, loud and smelly. Bathing was by sponge bath with salt water, and food must have been as Thomas described it, with extra protein thrown in, shall we say. “Breakfast oatmeal was lugged across the deck and down companionways in a large pail to be ladled in dollops onto our tin plates. For the main meal, the Iascar cooks concocted a sort of stew. None of the ingredients were readily identifiable. Nor did this vary from day to day.”^{^[72]}

troopshiptalma

See PowerPoint

The Talma appears to be have been 10,000 tons and owned by the British India Steam Navigation Co, which amalgamated with the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O) in 1914. P&O became the 'parent' company. In 1971 P&O was reorganized into divisions, General Cargo, Passenger and Bulk Handling. All ships of the group were progressively transferred to one of these divisions. Some of the very early ships may or may not have carried passengers. For this reason they have been included in the list where I discovered much of my information. Many of the company ships were only 500 tons or so, but they carried passengers on coastal services round the Indian coast or from India to Zanzibar, Persian Gulf, etc. Many of these ships carried only a few passengers, and some carried native passengers on deck. ^{^[73]}

talma

See also red text for May 28, 1942

I first heard about the Talma from my father, though he didn’t say much, as he didn’t talk much about the War at all, not an uncommon experience with veterans, so I wrote to the Imperial War Museum in 1984 to learn. Surprisingly, they said that the Talmawas never in royal Naval Service during the war, though they did know where to find corporate records.^{^[74]}

1942: Larry Roeder is seriously ill with Yellow Jaundice.

Re Ship Talma. Dad left Bombay on the SS Talma with Unit One of the American Field Service, bound for Tewfik Egypt, which they reached on February 10. This was the Eastern Port of Suez. Dad became seriously ill during the voyage and was diagnosed in Tewfik with yellow jaundice. ^{^[75]} Jaundice was a serious problem in the Middle East. According to Joseph Desloge, Jr. in his book “Passport to Manhood,” Latrines were not used at El Alamein. Instead you dumped your business and covered it in sand; but the combination of lots of Italian bodies and excrement lead to a hepatitis epidemic and “yellow eyes.”^{^[76]}

My father suffered as a result of his bout with yellow jaundice for the rest of his life, sometimes becoming instantly ill at dinner.

Tuesday, January 27, 1942 SS Talma Sets Sail from Bombay

“Sailed from Bombay at 2pm aboard the Talma, about 10,000 ton British ship manned by an Indian crew. Very comfortable in my room but very hungry with my one fish cake for supper. KP duty today. One close miss by a torpedo and the tub would fall apart. Four meetings and four life drills today. Ate a lot of dates and turned in about 11am.”

Talma01

Wednesday January 28, 1942

Abandon ship drill. Everyone fighting for food at the meals, as it is scarce. Stockly as usual taking all left over.^{^[77]} At 4pm Jones and I went scrounging for food. Jones attracted the Indian cook’s attention while I ran off with a loaf of bread about three feet long, while the cook went wild. Sat around the piano with about 20 fellows singing. Saw how the Indians ate, about 8 to one mess kit, eating with their fingers.

Thursday January 29, 1942

“Woke up sick, had the trots last night and today. Spent the day mostly in bed. Saw the Moslems say their evening prayers on the deck, focusing on the setting sun.”

Friday, January 30, 1942

“Feeling much better. Larry Enners^{^[78]} and Moore ^{^[79]}feeling bitter for being taken off the guns. As we are not in a convoy, this tub would have no chance at all. A(??) to get to Cairo to get some mail. Everyone confined to quarters (hot as hell) for violating the Black Out Rules. Spent a hot night with 7 in the room. 3 on the floor. Medical inspection for crotch pheasants, etc.”

Saturday January 31, 1942

“Lecture on tropical diseases and on auto mechanics. Appropriated another towel from the officer’s bath. Saw a large school of porpoises. Slept in a deck chair as it was rather hot due t the black out precautions.

Sunday, February 1, 1942

“Spent most of the day in a deck chair reading “Beggars Horses” by Wren.^{^[80]} The days and nights are beautiful here in the Arabian sea. Believe I’m getting the “Babies Itch” Slept on deck. (Note by author: I am guessing here, as Faulstich’s handwriting is hard to read at this point, but he has already complained about a crotch inspection. This might be a fungal inspection common in the crotch when moisture and heat are combined and the person can’t get dry.)

Monday, February 2, 1942

“Exactly three months since leaving home, and still about ten days and 1500 miles to Cairo. So far have traveled about 18,000 miles over a zig zag course on the Cook’s tour. Saw a few birds and 3 sailboats, must be near land. Another lecture on auto mechanics. Slept on deck with the officers and was not bothered by the MP’s.”

Tuesday, February 3, 1942 Arrival Aden

Saw land the first time since leaving Bombay, one week at 06:30. About 08:30 we dropped anchor at Aden, in southern Arabia. Saw the Mount Vernon, one of the boats in our old convoy which was supposed to have been damaged by enemy fire.

Steamer’s Point, Arabia. (Aden)

aden002 ^{^[81]}

After threatening the Arab boatman we finally got ashore for 4 annas apiece. Took a taxi to Aden and took in the sights. The town is surrounded by mountains and no doubt is the ass end of the universe. Sent a message home to Mr. Weld by a sailor on the Mt. Vernon. Many were gypped buying cartons which were supposed to contain 100 cigarettes, the bottoms were filled with paper.

Wednesday February 4^th, 1942 Left Aden for the Red Sea

“Entered the Red sea about 4am, which is blue. Encountered rough sailing. Land can occasionally be seen on both port and starboard sides. Learned a bit about map reading. Read “Darkness at Noon.” ^{^[82]}Had some figs from Aden and slept on deck.”

Thursday February 5, 1942

Lesson in auto-mechanics. Lecture from an officer in driving. Found out that Sherman Kuehn^{^[83]} dated Mary Catherine Curran in Springfield Missouri. Quite a surprise. One of the hottest places in the world, the red Sea is turning quite cool.

Friday, February 6, 1942 A Day at Port Sudan

Weather cloudy, cool and rough. Many of the boys are seasick. Docked at Port Sudan in Anglo-Egyptian Sudan at 12:15pm. Saw for the first time the famous Fuzzy Wuzzie tribesmen. Just another god forsaken place in the globe. Saw a very large ship had been bombed at Suez and burnt from stem to stern. Left Port Sudan at 11:15pm.

Saturday February 7, 1942

Told to report to mess hall in case of air raid. Found worm in the stew which caused some comment. Weather very cool for the red Sea. Wrote to Mary Catherine Curran, McKenna and Lorraine. Read “Rebecca from the ship’s library.”^{^[84]}

Sunday February 8^th, 1942

Read “5 Sous a Day.” ^{^[85]} The Captain held church services aboard. Just miles and miles of water.

Monday February 9, 1942 Entered Gulf of Suez, dropped anchor

Entered the Gulf of Suez. Mountains can be seen on both shores. A large kite is raised above each ship to ward off air attacks. Dropped anchor some miles from Suez, so as not to spend the nite in the harbor. Too dangerous.

Tuesday February 10, 1942. Docked at Port of Suez. Drove to Camp

“Today is exactly three month since we left Halifax Canada and we are due to dock at Suez in a few hours. Were taken ashore about 3pm after receiving our first mail on foreign soil, a letter from Mother dated November 6 and one from Mary Ardent (hard to read name) dated November 18. Left Suez about 5pm and drove 80 Miles to camp which is about fifty miles from Cairo, Egypt. Arrived about 9pm, supper and bunked nine to a tent. A long straw pillow given to each man to sleep upon. Saw some wrecked buildings in Suez due to air raids and many underground air raid shelters. Witnessed a brilliant display of flashlights, searching for planes.”^{^[86]}

Wednesday, February 11, 1942 El Tehag, Egypt

Faulstich used several spellings for the camp. The proper one is probably El Tahag, which is the one used in History of the American Field Service.

“Took exactly 100 days from St. Louis to this camp in Egypt. Stopped in Canada, Trinidad, Cape Town, south Africa, Bombay, India, Deolali, India, Aden, Arabia, Port Sudan in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan and now in this camp about 60 miles from Cairo Egypt in the Arabian desert. Our tents are pitched on the hard surface of the desert, no flooring, no lights or no hooks for clothing. We each are issued one sack of straw to sleep upon. Drove on of our ambulances for the first time and pass the test ok. Were issued completed Battle Dress from the British army, gas mask, tin hat, shoes, socks, jacket and trousers with putties. Spent the night in the canteen.” According to Evan Thomas, the harbor in fact was Tewfik. From there, they were driven in three ton lorries (standing room only) to the Royal Army Service Corps mobilization center. Cold, took four hours. Evans also said he saw the searchlights as they approached the camp, arriving at 10pm. Evan Thomas provides an excellent brief in his book on the ambulances were to be used on pages 36-37. This is also described in History of the American Field Service, pg 69.^{^[87]}

Thursday, February 12, 1942

“Rode a motorcycle for the first time. Seem very simple and easy. Had a gas mask test with them on and then off for a few minutes, and interesting but tearful experience. They used a tent with teargas. The name of this camp is El Tagah. Supposed to leave for a 500 mile drive to Syria any day, which will take us through all of Palestine and probably a lot of the Holy land.

Friday February 13, 1942

For Friday the 13^th, a fairly lucky day. Another lesson on riding a motorcycle. I think we will probably end up in Russia once we get on the move. The camp is a beehive of activity. Motorcycles wheezing around and ambulances and trucks everywhere. Went to the camp movies. Saw “Argentina Nights” with the Ritz brothers. Went with Sherman Kuehn and Stackly. Here is a Review I found on the internet of the movie which was released in 1940 and included the Ritz Brothers and the Andrews Sisters. I love watching the Andrews sisters. “If you don't like the Ritz Brothers -- and I can only take s much of their mugging myself -- then avoid this Universal B movie -- although the best bit in it is a burlesque of those novelty Latin dances from the Astaire-Rogers movies called 'The Brooklyn Nanga', which runs to the scansion of 'The Carioca'. Once you've mentioned that, you've exhausted the strong points of this movie as everyone heads down to Argentina, where polo-playing George Reeves -- looking like John Carroll -- pretends to be a bandito called 'El Tigre' in order to romance Grace McDonald. Some decent although unmemorable songs and Ritz Brother routines fill out the time and while this is not the best musical ever made, it is a pleasant enough time waster to make you stay through the end --although it won't make fans for any of the talent involved.

Saturday February 14, 1942

Had a lecture on driving in a convoy and what to do in an air raid. Issues complete webbing and haversacks and two more blankets. Many prisoners from Libya here. They are paid seven piastres a day, give 3 meals a day and work very little. The exchange here in Egypt is 4.25 for an Egyptian pound and 100 piasters to the pound. Went to the camp movie “One Night of Love.”^{^[88]} Talked to the Catholic priest at the chapel at the CWF canteen.

Sunday February 15,1942 The Day Singapore Fell

“Mass at the Catholic Hut at 10am. In the British Army, its possible to receive communion after breakfast due to a special dispensation. Sold two old civvy shirts for 15 piastres. Received the very welcome air mail letter from Lorraine dated Jan 15. Packed the issued sea bag that is to be kept in Cairo till our return from Beirut Syria. – Singapore has fallen.” ^{^[89]}

One can only imagine the morale in the camp. The fall of Singapore to the Japanese Army on February 15th is considered one of the greatest defeats in the history of the British Army and probably Britain’s worst defeat in the war/ The fall of Singapore in 1942 clearly illustrated the way Japan was to fight in the far east. The entry is interesting for another reason. Even though based in a desert in Egypt in an era when telecommunications was only getting going, the AFS folks heard about the fall on the same day it happened.

Monday February 16, 1942 Larry Roeder still has Yellow Jaundice

“Packing up and ready to leave for Beirut tomorrow morning. Left three letters to be mailed.”^{^[90]} Author Note: My father Larry Roeder returned to Beirut in 1946 to serve at the US Legation, where he met my mother an OSS person serving there. I was born in Beirut in 1948. In t his case, Dad was too sick with Yellow Jaundice to leave with the convoy right away, so he stayed in hospital^{^[91]}. This liver disease is caused by a number of things, in Dad’s case probably by malaria contracted in India or perhaps viral hepatitis, even gallstones. Apparently a lot of people came down with it in the AFS.

Tuesday, February 17, 1942 Convoy to Syria

“Dad is still back in El Tehag. The convoy moves out. Here is Faulstich’s story. “Left El Tehag after one weeks stay. Left in our own convoy. Rode in an open truck, cold as hell for 12 hours. Stopped in the desert for a supper of a very small amount of hot stew and opened our bedding rolls and slept in the open. Weather is very cold. Dressed in long underwear, shirt, sweater and lumber-jack with a blanket over us and then nearly froze. Saw several wild camels, otherwise nothing but san dunes and desert. Am writing this by flashlight in the open somewhere in Palestine. Crossed the Suez Canal about 09:30am” Eventually, nearly every truck would carry a primus stove for hot tea. When that failed, one simply packed sand with petrol and lighted it. Camel dung was also good for this, a good Bedouin habit.^{^[92]}

Wednesday February 18, 1942. Sinai Crossing & Palestine

Palestine. It’s truly a land of milk and honey compared to India and El Tahag. Oranges as large as grapefruit were bought for 15 cents a dozen or four oranges for a penny box of matches or fifteen large oranges for an empty 5 gallon gas tank. I traded 8 cigarettes for 6 oranges every bit as large as grapefruits. The highways are flooded with military motor convoys. Thousands of trucks fill the highway carrying supplies. Passed through Gaza Palestine and Jeffa (must mean Jaffa). Oranges, oranges and more Oranges, grapefruits and lemons, the Arabs throw them in our truck as we pass by and the by the thousands, rotting by the road. One driver got 57 for one empty tin can, and in England only children can have one orange a week. Stopped to camp about 3pm, traveled since 7am..Spent the night in a comfortable army transit camp.

Syria 1942

Thursday February 19, 1942 Entered Haifa and Beirut

Entered Haifa about 10am and dropped off our ambulances and continued our trip through all of Palestine and into Syria in trucks. Arrived in Beirut about 4pm. Six men to a tent and we were given some peculiar cots to put our bedding roll on. And for the first time we rated a Sergeants mess. All along the road we saw wreckage of bombed houses, the results of the campaign here in Syria some months ago. Beirut is filled with people of all races. French and Arab predominate. They are glad to Americans and no doubt we are welcome. Spent the evening in town with some Australians who insisted upon buying us beer and after one hellava time with a taxi driver who could not speak English, we finally turned in our cane beds (God what a mess).

Friday Feb 20, 1942

“The Col complimented us on the fact we were the only convoy to leave and arrive on time. The Sergeant’s Mess is really a treat, oatmeal, milk, liver, bacon, and all the bread, butter and honey we wanted. Table cloth and dishes. Quite different from the standing in line with a dirty mess kit. The trip from Egypt, through all of Palestine and into Syria was beautiful. We drove along the blue Mediterranean for miles and as we drove only by day, we saw all of the sights and scenery. Here we have to change our money again, for the fifth time since leaving home. Spent the afternoon in Beirut with an Australian in an Australian canteen, they were all glad to see the Americans. Went to the American University, a very beautiful spot.^{^[93]} Each Sunday skiing parties leave here for the snow topped mountains which surround Beirut. Rained most of the day which dampened our spirits as well as our clothes and tents. All in all Beirut is a wonderful place. Went to the American University Library and found out that both Alexander the Great and Pompey conquered the city centuries ago. Spent the evening at the University.

Saturday Feb 21, 1942 Unit is Broken Up

Writing this sitting in our tent with the rain sleet and hail coming down in torrents. The whole outfit is being broken up. DePew is going to Damascus with one group. Maloney to Tripoli^{^[94]}, Brewer to Aleppo^{^[95]},. Etc. Foster ^{^[96]}and Faulstich to stay in Beirut.”^{^[97]}

The new yellow bars of ribbon to be worn on the shoulders are quite the thing. Nearly everyone takes us to be officers and salutes are common everywhere It really boosts one morale and ego to be saluted, as silly as it seems. Frankly, it makes me feel like as ass. Had a long talk with an Optometrist in Beirut about lenses, he sells Toric Spheres for 350 piastres a pair $7.25. Everyone we talk to in Beirut tell us that Americans are very good.^{^[98]}

Heard we were to rate non-commissioned officers mess everywhere we went in Syria or Palestine. I leave tomorrow for the hospital to drive from Beirut to Haifa. I here there are a few nice looking nurses there – spent the evening with Stockly and a fire in our tent eating canned fish and apricots I scrounged.”^{^[99]}

Sunday February 22, 1942 Beirut Australian Hospital

What a break. Jim and I and about 15 others are attached and have a room in the Australian hospital. Each day we are to drive patients to Haifa, Palestine from the hospital here in Beirut, Syria. There are six of us to a room, we each have a hospital bed, hot showers and eat in the Australian sergeant’s mess with good food and all the bread, butter, jam and tea we want. The trip to Haifa is interesting. All the way are the wrecks of houses due to the war here months ago. Still standing are several old forts and castles there were built centuries ago, probably about the time of Alexander the Great, etc. I am almost sure that Sherman was wrong about war being hell, so far I’m enjoying every minute. The Australians seems to be a hell of a swell bunch of fellows and seem to think a lot of Americans. Ambulances have the right of way and the Australians drive through cities doing 50 miles per hour down the main roads, the WOGS have to scatter or be hit. Drank half a pint of the native drink Arak, ^{^[100]}which is supposed to drive drinks

nuts; but outside of making me a little dizzy, it didn’t seem bad. There are quite a few Australian nurses around, I hope connections may be made.

Monday February 23, 1942 German Paras May have Landed.

“Rumors are numerous that German parachute troops were dropped a couple of hundred miles north of here (Beirut). Today we had our first sunshine since arriving and Beirut is a changed place, its beautiful. Built at the foot of snow capped mountains on the Mediterranean Sea – we ride the trolleys free by merely telling them Americans don’t have to pay. Drove several Aussies all over town, breaking all sorts of traffic laws, which peeved several French policemen who could do nothing but shout at me and I did nothing but tell him to go to hell. The Aussies and Americans seem to get along everywhere. Spent the evening writing letters.”^{^[101]}

Tuesday February 24, 1942

Left Beirut at 09:30. Arrived in Haifa Palestine at noon. Dinner at the Hospital and back at 4pm. Saw many old machine gun nests and wrecked trucks, results of the Syrian campaign. Bridges being repaired that were blown up and in one town a horse that was not battle scarred.

Roeder in Jerusalem

At some point during the Syrian campaign, my father moved north from Egypt and passed through Jerusalem. He is supposed to have stayed at the American Colony, then run by Bertha Spafford Vestor.^{^[102]} This was also a place I often stayed in when stationed in Egypt many years later. “The seeds of the American Colony Hotel were sown in 1902, when Baron Ustinov (grandfather of actor Sir Peter Ustinov), finding the Turkish inns of the time unacceptable, needed suitable accommodations in Jerusalem to house his visitors from Europe and America. Before long, the American Colony emerged as a point of lodging for Western travelers and pilgrims whose expectations for high standards of luxury and service were not met by the establishments then existing in Jerusalem.

The American Colony Hotel has a unique place in Israel’s history, having endured countless challenges and damage resulting from the area’s involvement in a series of wars. It was the venue from which a ‘white flag,’—made from a bed sheet from one of the Colony’s hospitals that is currently displayed at the Imperial War Museum in London—was draped at the end of World War I to initiate the truce that freed Jerusalem from three centuries of Ottoman rule.

The Colony has always been known as a neutral island, remaining outside the turbulent politics of the land. Owned neither by Arabs or Jews, but by Americans, British and Swedes, it has always had friends from all sectors of Jerusalem’s mixed society. An ‘oasis’ where Jews and Arabs comfortably meet, it is also a favorite haven for international journalists, high-ranking officers of the United Nations and diplomats from across the world.

The original founders retained their former home in the Old City and used it for charitable purposes, providing care to the needy and distressed with services that grew over the decades and today include medical, infant welfare and social work departments.

Although the hotels’ active management by the Spafford’s grandson, Horatio Vester, was handed over to Gauer Hotels of Switzerland upon his retirement in 1980, the American Colony is still owned by the descendants of the original Founders and its board of directors is composed of family members who remain closely involved. The Colony is a part of their family history, just as it is a part of the history of Jerusalem.^{^[103]}

Wednesday February 25, 1942

“Well, we made headlines in the “Palestine Post” telling about our unit being stationed in various ports of the country, etc. Left for Tripoli about 9am. Took about six Aussies back to their camp some miles past Tripoli up in the mountains near the snow line. Love my haversack somewhere along the way. Met the colonel of their outfit and had dinner in the sergeant’s mess in Tripoli. Had a few drinks of martini Arak, which sells for 20 piastres (10c) a pint. It is no longer a rumor; but a fact that German troops have landed by parachute only thirty miles from here.”

Thursday, February 26, 1942 Hiafa

“Drove an officer to Haifa. Picked up a Polish and a South African soldier on way back. Round trip 202 miles. Had my camera repaired. Stopped in ‘Saida,” Syria. Received two xmas cards from St. Louis, Jane and Mother and Dad. Invited to a birthday party by a group of 10 Aussies for Jack. Everyone got half stewed by champagne. “

Friday February 27, 1942 Ambulance Maintenance

“Changed oil and greased ambulance. Cleaned air filter and gas filter. Bowen is living with the US Ambassador to Persia.^{^[104]} We have all the comforts of home here, three very good meals daily, swimming in the pool or surf, skiing within 30 miles. The finest saddle horses furnished by the French Cavalry, tennis courts, Library at the American University, ping pong, billiards and only working every other day. Up to now its just like a Roman Holiday. Visited the home of the X-Ray specialist at the University and spent a very pleasant evening.”

Saturday, February 28, 1942 Tennis

“Played tennis on 24 hour duty at the hospital. Witnessed a minor operation, slept in my ambulance and was called at 1am to pick up six drunks who were cut up and bruised, watched the Doc. Put several stitches in one’s scalp.

Sunday March 1, 1942 Zahle

“Drove to Zahle to deliver an ambulance. Saw some of the most beautiful scenery ever. From the snow clad mountains where troops were skiing you could see Beirut 18 miles away. Upon arriving at the large modern hospital the only inmates were three drunken soldiers. Later I met their drunken Captain, Major and Lt. Not a patient in bed. Bought 3 qrts of rum and later celebrated in town by playing that old favorite army drinking game “Here is to the health of Cardinal Puffs.” Whoever make a mistake has his glass filled again. Back to the hospital about 2am.^{^[105]}

Comment by Roeder on Zahle, where NZ Medical Corps was stationed: “At first patients for evacuation to hospital were carried back over the long journey of 200 miles or so to Beirut, until 1 NZ CCS set up at Zahle. Over these journeys cars of the American Field Service, a volunteer organisation, carried many of the patients. This was the New Zealanders' first contact with these fine young Americans, who were to establish a firm and genuine friendship of long standing with the Division.”

zahle

^{^[106]}

Monday March 2, 1942

“Breakfast with the drunks. Watched the drunk take care of the native patients who came for treatment. Drove the Major and Captain back to their camp, 160 miles into Palestine, only 70 miles from Jerusalem. In camp I was given a warrant officer’s room and mess for the night.

Tuesday March 3, 1942 Meets Gurnar Niab

“Left the Major in camp and drove back to Beirut. On the way stopped by an orange grove and traded one pack of cigarettes for about 50 oranges. Stopped at Acre and entered the ancient city through the massive old gates. The ancient walls around the city is still in good condition. The Crusaders stormed and took this town several times and a temple they built still remains. Napoleon tried to conquer it but was unsuccessful. Spent and interesting and enjoyable evening at a house party. Dancing, drinking, etc.

Met Gunar Niab a Turkish girl studying medicine at the university here. Saw her home and have a dinner date next Sunday night. A very attractive girl from Abyssinia, another from Lebanon. (Gurnar spelled different ways in the book)

Wednesday March 4, 1942

‘Drove to Haifa and back. The Australians erected a Davis Cup and verse to go with it and we are to play for it shortly. Also entered the tennis tourney. The Davis Cup is made of large tin cans, one egg beater for a racket and two bottle caps for balls, very attractive indeed.

Thursday March 5, 1942

“Left on a skiing trip to the mountains some fifty miles, with ten of the Australians. The skiing was fine and the scenery beyond compares. Even through it rained and we were soaked, it was a nice time. One of the quaint scenes see here are the men who don’t seem to care where they urinate, any pole or gutter that’s handy seems to be alright with them

Friday, March 6, 1942

“Drove to Haifa again and again stopped at the ancient town of Acre built 1250 years before Christ. The city is completely surrounded by a very deep moat and high walls with battle placements. The only entrance is a huge iron gate. The ancient cannon still lie around rusting. The citadel built by the Crusaders us now being used as a British prison. The barracks built by the Romans is now being used as air raid shelters. We visited the beautiful Mosque with fountains outside where you have to wash your feet and enter bare footed.”^{^[107]}

Another interesting fact about Acre, Arthur might have mentioned is that the town was the site of the Acre Convention, an agreement for cessation of hostilities between the Vichy French in Syria and Great Britain.

acre

Acre From the Water^{^[108]}

Saturday March 7, 1942

“Drove to Haifa as usual. As we were the only Americans in the Middle East, the Australians revived the Davis Cup Tourney. Built a cup and wrote this poem.

In the days of old when nights were bold

And barons wore tin drawers

They spent their time in love and wine

And fighting little wars

These modern days we’ve other ways

And fight our war for wages

And for our fun we have begun

To throw down other gages

But now the Yanks have joined the ranks

Our days will all be cheeriah

The Davis Cup again pops up

In the ancient land of Syria

As you might guess the CCS

Received the old tradition

When Clarrie Fish expressed the wish

In words of clipped precession

Twas Dinger Bell who worked like hell

While Jack tore in with vigour

To rattle up a Davis Cup

Brighter, Stronger and bigger.

So roll up lads – ye sons and dads

The glorious pot is here

When the game is done – the fun’s begun

Will fill it up with beer.

Palmyra, Syria. Temple of Bel (below)

Palmyra is halfway between Dier ez Zor and Damascus. A medical facility existed here to receive patients every week with venereal disease or dysentery.[109] Evan Thomas ran the section in Palmyra and he saw the town as a sort of Beau Geste setting. It contained a “small collection of Arab dwellings under the sharow of the famous ruins of Queen Zenobia’s capital. Outside the town there are three old-fashioned French forts, two of them deserted and one garrisoned by native levy troops under French officers.” The AFS operated one of the deserted forts.

palmyra01 palmyra02

Palmyra, ancient city of Syria, in an oasis on the northern edge of the Syrian Desert, about 240 km (about 150 mi) northeast of Damascus. According to tradition, it was founded by Solomon, king of Israel. In the Bible it is called Tadmur (see 1 Kings 9:18). A prosperous caravan station in the 1st century BC, Palmyra became a Roman outpost and a major city-state within the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD. Palmyra reached its apogee under Odenathus. A Roman ally, Odenathus regained Roman possessions lost to Shapur I (reigned 241-72) of Persia. Upon the assassination of Odenathus his widow, Zenobia, succeeded him. Her ambition to further expand Palmyra's influence in Asia Minor and Egypt was ended by the Roman emperor Aurelian, who in 272 captured her and razed the city. Subsequently, Palmyra was taken by the Arabs and sacked by Tamerlane.

PallmyraAFS

AFS Ambulance Palmyra[110]

Sunday March 8, 1942 Larry Roeder in Uniform before Sphinx.

In 1955-57 Dad served again in Egypt, then as head of the Consular Section, US Embassy Cairo. Evidently Dad was not with Faulstich this day.

egyptafs01

^{^[111]}

‘

Sunday March 8, 1942 Faulstich Dates Gunar Niab

Played tennis at the University. Dated Gunar Niab to the Piccadilly Club. Dinner and Drinks. Said she had only been kissed twice, only in her life. Took a drive along the sea shore. Had a wonderful evening. Pitched some (can’t read).^{^[112]}

Monday March 9, 1942

“Spent the day playing tennis with Joe Bradley^{^[113]}, Jerry Maloney.^{^[114]} Mac and blonde nurse. The war can last forever for all I care.

Tuesday, March 10, 1942

On 24 hour duty at the Hospitable. Witnessed several operations and played tennis most of the day. Won my first match in the tournament by playing Sarg Johnson 6-0.

Wednesday, March 11,1942

“witnessed an appendectomy at the CCS. Won my second round of the tennis tourney. Played tennis most of the day. Enjoying the finest vacation of my life here in Beirut with the Aussies.”^{^[115]}

Thursday March 12, 1942

“Drove to Haifa as usual. Films were ruined that I took in Palestine, skiing and here in Beirut..

Friday, March 13, 1942 Date with Gunar

“Haifa and Back. Took an Aussies along. Stokes gave me rather an interesting talk, which should be rather profitable. Hashish smuggling.”^{^[116]}

Another date with Gurnar and a very nice evening. She offered to take my appendix out free of charge, the very first offer of that kind I ever received from any girl and a queer offer at that.

Saturday March 14, 1942

Drove a bunch of Aussie VD’s to Haifa. Entered the quarter finals in the local tennis tourney 6-2.

March 15, 1942 Larry Roeder rejoins unit in good health

“Gassed and oiled ambulance. Saw Larry who just got back from Cairo in good health again.

Received my Xmas cookies from home. Visited the home and coffee shop of friends of Gordon Stokes, a very interesting evening indeed. Offered a job of smuggling opium, and hashish across the border with Palestine. I’ll give it some thought.”^{^[117]}

^{^[118]}

March 1942 Ambulance Stuck in Mud (below) in Syria

Monday March 16, 1942

“Haifa and back. Looked for Abu Shamir. Visited a little Arab coffee shop and smoked hashish with absolutely no effects whatsoever. Could make 80 pounds a trip smuggling hashish. Talked it over.”^{^[119]}

Tuesday, March 17, 1942 Took Gunar to Dance

“the big day arrived, the day for the Davis Cup matches between the Americans of the Field Service and the Australians, Jerry Maloney lost to Jerry Smith. Scott beat Stephens. Joe Bradley lost and I won my match. With the score even Scott and I lost the doubles and the cup. I had the distinction of being the Captain of the team……

At 4:30pm Stockley handed me a cable from NY which stated that Father had died march the ninth. It’s very hard to realize that dear old dad will not be there when I get home. Though the bad news spoiled the rest of the day, I went to the farewell dance at the hospital for the Australians. Took Gunar and met girls from all over the Middle East.

Wednesday, March 18, 1942

“Went to Mass and had one said for Dad. Send a cable home. Looks like Stoke’s plan fallen through”

Thursday March 19, 1942 Damascus

“Visited Damascus, the oldest city in the world, the supposed only real oriental city left in the world. Its described as a page out of the Arabian nights – the sights would knock your bat off, the most amazing scene was to see the Arabs washing their privates before entering a certain temple. We visited the largest Mosque in the work, which contains the tomb of Saint John the Baptist. We had to wear overshoes to enter.

Upon arriving back I received the second big disappointment since leaving home. I’m supposed to be transferred some 15 miles north on the Turkish border. I hate to think of leaving the swell bunch of Australians here, leaving Gurna and missing the tennis tourney, where I was sure to reach the finals. (tough luck). Said goodbye to Gurna Niab. Out of curiosity, I tried smoking Hashish which had absolutely no effect on me.

Friday, March 20, 1942 Departure for Turkey

“Packed and ready to leave for Turkey. Sold my Argus Camera for 25 pounds Syrian. Drove to Tripoli with Scott.

Saturday, March 21, 1942 Durty at 11^th Hospital

‘On duty art the 11^th hospital.”

I found a picture of the hospital in Australian War memorial Records.

australianhospital ^{^[120]}

“Visited the brothel run by the army to put in a new supply of ointment, gauze, etc. Each man that visits the place must put his number on paper and the prostitutes are examined twice a week. Went to the movies in Tripoli, saw Spencer Tracy and Hedy Lamar in “I Take this woman.”

According to the Australian War Memorial (a great research facility in Canberra), there was a house of prostitution run by the British Army in Zahle. Below is a picture from the facility made in 1941.

prosttutes ^{^[121]}

Sunday March 22, 1942 Evening with Gunar in Beirut

Drove to Beirut. Scott and I had tea with Gunar and a girl friend. Spent the evening with Gunar. Drove back to Tripoli about 12pm.

Monday March 23, 1942 Post Mortem

Witnessed a post mortem, saw everything there is inside a human body, a bit gruesome but it did not bother me in any way. Arrived at the 2^nd 11^th hospital where Sandy Campbell and I will be stationed in Tripoli.

Tuesday March 24, 1942

Drove the two men to the Army controlled brothel to put in a new supply of blue light material. Spent the evening in a typical Syrian home, met a nice Syrian girl about 19. Had Arak to drink and tasted real Syrian food.

Wednesday March 25, 1942

Drove to Beirut, played tennis and spent the evening with Gurna. Got back about 1am.

Thursday March 26, 1942 Faulstich and Roeder go to Beirut

“Received two letters from home dated Jan 6^th and 15^th. Rode to Beirut with Larry Roeder. Won my quarter-level and semi-final match in the tennis tourney. Met the old gang of Aussies at the hospital there,”

Friday March 27, 1942

Drove 100 miles north of Tripoli to Latakia on the Turkish border.^{^[122]} We could see the Turkish mountains from camp. Met Jem Foster who is delivering flour to the starving Kurds, Arabs, etc. Spent the nite in town, slept in my rig.

March 28, 1942. Roeder & Campbell in *Tripoli, Lebanon***

Ramsey Campbell walked down through the “WOG section of town (Tripoli, Lebanon) with Larry Roeder this morning." (this was in preparation for front line duty in Africa)^{^[123]}

“Heard and had a Mass said for Dad at a little Benedictine monastery near Latakia (spell Lattiagui by Faulstich,

“Near here the natives, Arabs and Kurds blockaded the road and robbed all cars a few minutes before I arrived on the same road. Drove back to Tripoli. Saw numerous camel caravans on the road.

“Spent the evening at a Syrian family’s home with Sorg Ray Ward and Bill. They served a meal which lasted for four hours, all Syrian food. Also plenty of Arak and beer – a good time was had by all.”

Sunday, March 29, 1942 Roeder and Faulstich Drive to Beirut

“Held Mass and Communion for Dad. Received a phone call to go to Beirut to play the finals in our tennis tourney there.

“larry Roeder and I drove to Beirut. I played Terry Smith in the finals of the Ninth Australian Army Tourney and won 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. Stopped to receive a trophy in a few days. Larry and I took Gurna to Aly where we wined and dined. Left Gurna about 10 and drove Karl Heyser back to Tripoli.^{^[124]} So far the war has been one big vacation for me and I am enjoying every minute of it.”

Monday March 30, 1942

“Left for Jerusalem. Hitchhiked from Tripoli to Tel Aviv, a distance of 225 miles, arrived in Tel Aviv about midnight after a three hour ride on top of an Arab truck, a mean ride as anyone could possibly have. Stopped at a hotel here for the night.”

Tuesday March 31, 1942 Tour of Jerusalem and a long Hitchhike

Jerusalem. Arrived here at 08:30am after riding in seven different cars and trucks to complete the 300 mile hitch hike. Stopped at the Australian club. Took a guide and spent a very enjoyable morning walking about the old city of Jerusalem. The city is surrounded by a high wall and we entered by the Tower of David. Saw King Herod’s palace (what is left of it). The wailing wall where the Jews come to pray and shout, the site of King Solomon’s Palace, Mount Calvary where Christ was crucified, the Mount of Olives, the Mount where Christ ascended into heaven (his footprint can be seen in the rock). I visited the spot where Veronica wiped the face of Christ and where Veronica lived. We then went to Bethlehem and visited the old Christian Church in the world over the spot where Christ was born. The church was built in 325AF over the stable where Christ was born.

“Under the church the supposed exact spot where the birth of Christ took place can be seen. The spot is marble with a star and many women knelt to kiss it, it is a natural cave, hewn out of rock. Also visited a cavern about twenty feet underground where Mary and Joseph took refuge with the Child Jesus during their flight into Egypt.

“Again left Jerusalem at 1pm and visited the Garden of Gethsemane, the church which is built in the shape of a cross and contains the tomb of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph etc. In the garden we saw the Olive trees 2000 years old and the same stone or rock formation where Christ knelt to pray. We saw the house of Martha and Mary where Christ visited. The Mt of temptation where Christ fasted forty day and nights. The town of Jericho where someone blew his horn four time and the walls fell (it looks it too). The Jordan River where John the Baptist baptized Christ. The Dead Sea which is 25% salt, and no living for life. Bethany.

“the Dead Sea is 1400 feet below sea level. The Jordan river runs into it from the Sea of Galilee.

“Today I learned my first words of Hebrew. Youheidis Brenduke which means Jew Bastard. The Arabs use it often and Hew is less popular here than anywhere in the world.

“The Old City of Jerusalem is fascinating with its very narrow street, its’ many smells and sights. The streets are cluttered with Jews and Arabs, Monks, Soldiers, Donkeys and many Asses. I don’t think it has changed much since the time of Christ.”

Wednesday, April 1, 1942 Jerusalem

“spent the day roaming around the Old City. Visited the house of the Last Supper and all the stations of the cross. At the second station where Jesus was scourged, crowned with thorns and made to carry his cross, a convent is built over the exact stones, a spot where Jesus was judged and tormented. Here I paid 5 dollars to have a stone placed, 12 by 8 with Dad’s name and date of death placed near this spot.^{^[125]}

“Spent almost one hour in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where we saw the place where Christ was buried, the stone which was placed over his tomb. Here also are the last five stations of the cross, a piece of the pillar where Christ was tied to and scourged. The Church is built over Mt Calvary where Christ was crucified. Was shown a spot about 50 feet below a temple where the Greeks claim Christ was imprisoned with the two thieves – the Catholics claim this is a fraud.

“Took an Arab bus from Jerusalem to Haifa, Palestine, lost quite a bit of time due to the passengers arguing most of the time with the driver over the fare. Arrived in Beirut about 4pm and Tripoli about 8pm.”

Thursday April 2, 1942

Nothing in the daily entry. Only day he missed so far.

Friday April 3, 1942 Davey Jones is in Jail Dier Ez Zor?

“Good Friday. Got my pictures and they all came out fine. From the camera then Winterer’ sent.^{^[126]}

“Received the cable from Mother which reads ‘Bernard Temporarily Norbert Seattle. Urban Air corps. Dad’s blessing. Love. Antonia Faulstich.” Drove to Beirut and back. Visited Davey Jones in the jailhouse. He gave me his address in c/o P. Miller 8100 Niles Ave, Skokie, Ill. It’s too bad. Jones was ok.”^{^[127]}

April 3, 1942 Arab on Horseback (below) at DEZ Dier Ez Zor

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Discussion about Deir ez-Zor

Deir ez-Zor was the chief city of eastern Syria with two important bridges across the Euphrates River, so certainly important from a strategic point of view. I am not entirely clear when Dad or Faulstich arrived in dier Ez Zor for the first time. According to Evan Thomas when he arrived in Dier Ez Zor (which may have been at a different time), his section arrived in spare ambulances, their “field cars” having been sent on ahead to Dier Ez Zor where they were run by the Australians. DEZ was a “collection of mud and plaster houses on the banks of the muddy Euphrates. We were housed in a very nice – though freezing cold – white plaster house situated in an American Presbyterian missionary compound on an island in the middle of the river. The missionary hospital had been taken over by the British Army, and was staffed by a young Scottish captain-doctor and a handful of Indian orderlies….The duties involved nothing more than “indenting” (that is putting in a request) for rations, a word that includes all necessary supplies, once a day at the supply depot; taking care of five ambulances; and perhaps making a trip each week to carry a few venereal disease and dysentery patients to Palmyra – half way point between Deir Ez Zor and damascus.”[128]

The town, 200 K’s from Aleppo and HQ for the 8^th Indian Division in WWII was also the scene of fighting in World War One and was involved in the plight of the Armenians where the city is reported to have held one of the grimmest of open-air concentration camps for Armenians.[129]. On June 30-July 3, 1941 in World War Two, the location was the scene of a battle between Indian and Vichy French forces. The battle of Deir el Zor in Syria took place because Indian 10^th Division [Major-General William J. Slim] was ordered to move from Iraq up the Euphrates River to Aleppo in Syria, thus threatening Vichy French forces at Beirut. Other columns were simultaneously tasked to take various other objectives. Deir el Zor served as a large station for AFS drivers supported Aleppo and other locations. According to :History of the American Field Service,” Dier was “one of the great posts, the “country club” in the former nurses’ home of an American Presbyterian mission hospital on an Island in the Euphrates river. Known as DEZ to many, it was the end of the line, but a great place to be based.^{^[130]}

April 3, 1942 Dier Ez Zor

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Arab (above) selling his wares in DEZ. Apr 3, 1942

General Undated Shots of DEZ in 1942 Dier Ez Zor

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Above April 1942. Horse pushing pump for water from Euphrates for irrigation

Saturday April 4, 1942

Loafed around Tripoli all day. Saw Anthony Advance (hard to read) at one of the local theaters.

Sunday April 5, 1942 Larry Roeder’s Easter Deer Hunt DEZ

From photo’s we know that Dad hunted an Easter Dear in Wadi of Dier Ez Zor ,(known to all as DEZ) Syria.^{^[131]})

Faulstich spent Easter first at Mass and Communion in the Hospital and then drove to Beirut and played tennis all day.^{^[132]}

[133]

deer

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deer004 [134]

April 5, 1942. American Missionary Compound Deir el Zor

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This picture was labeled by Dad and says “April 5, 1942. Amer Mission Compound (Presby.) Dier Ez Zor, Syria. Hospital and tennis court compound located on island of Euphrates. Our headquarters and home.”[135]

Boat (ABOVE). Picture in group of DEZ 1942 war shots; but I think on the ocean.

Discussion about American Presbyterian Mission, DEZ

The following history comes from American Protestant archives records. “American Protestant work in Syria dates from 1819, when Pliny Fisk and Levi Parsons, representatives of the American Board of Foreign Missions, arrived in Smyrna with the objective of initiating missionary work in the Jerusalem area. Following the reunion of the Old School/New School Presbyterian Churches in the US in 1870, the American Board's Syria Mission was transferred to the Board of Foreign Missions….The work of the Syria Mission transcended three distinct states: Lebanon, which encompassed the stations of Beirut, Tripoli and Sidon and the substation of Zahleh; Latakia, where the Mission performed limited work in certain villages; and Syria, where work was conducted in the cities of Hama, Aleppo and Deir-ez-Zore.” The mission in Syria and Lebanon was dissolved in 1959 and “its work and program integrated into the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon.”[136] The historical society in Pennsylvania does have records of the hospital in

Deir-ez-Zore Hospital,

1929-45

Folder 17

My plan is to visit the historical society early in 2008 and look for records related to the American Field Service experience there.

Manning Field talks about Dad’s gazelle Hunt

Manny Field wrote to me about the gazelle hunt in 1942 in a letter in November, 1993.[137] When I spoke of it in December 2007 with James Watson of ME1, he laughed very strongly, saying this was about all anyone could do in Deir ez Zor, hunt gazelle.[138] Speaking of Dad, “he and I and some others were stationed in Deir ez Zor on the Euphrates in Syria in March or April, 1942 for two or three weeks. The east side of the Euphrates at that point is billiard-table-flat, plain right to the horizon, covered with a thin coating of grass which is so scant that it only shows green at a distance. At that time this plain was empty except for a huge herd of gazelles.

“ Larry and I borrowed a couple of rifle and with permission took an ambulance to see if we could get our mess some meat. Neither of us knew a thing about rifles or shooting. (I still don’t).

“The gazelles were easy to find for the herds were big, any one of them covering a quarter square mile, but they took off if you got within a few hundred yards of them. The front wind shield of our ambulance opened out, and they had a top speed of 55 mph which was barely enough for us to get close enough to try shooting. I don’t remember how many rounds we had – a dozen, not more, maybe less. As soon as we got within 40 or 50 ft of the herd it would divide at right angles to the ambulance and at a pace that far exceeded the ambulance’s ability to turn. We tried a few shots with no effect always following a smaller and smaller group as they divided each time we got near. Finally, we wounded one; but didn’t stop it. At this point we had only one or two rounds left. We were afraid of missing it and leaving it wounded. We chased that one poor gazelle to its exhaustion. I don’t remember whether we were able to kill with a bullet ot whether we ended up running it over. I don’t think larry really enjoyed the whole process; I know I did not. I’ve never hunted since Travis, our section leader, who had experience in such things, dug a goat and roasted it. The meat was wonderful.

“I thought I had a photo of Larry and me with the dumb gazelle; but I don’t. I know I’ve seen that picture in the last few years. It believe it must have been in the AFS archives. I some work for Bill Orrick some eight or nine years ago.”

DEZ In 1942 Larry Roeder In Arab clothing in Deir el Zor.

.^{^[139]}

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Above Busty Chama (above )and “Joey” in DEZ, 1942. Busty must be an Indian.

Camel Caravan in DEZ 1942 (above)

DEZ, 1942 Astin and Krikos (above)

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Snapshots of DEZ (above)

Monday April 6, 1942 First Air Raid Alarm Evening with Gunar

“Drove to Beirut. Received the cash to buy a tennis trophy fro the tourney held last weeks. Had an air raid alarm, the first I’ve ever experienced, no bombs dropped. Spent the entire evening with Gunar who just returned after spending the Easter holidays in Damascus she brought me an oriental dagger to prove she thought of me while I was away. There is no doubt that I am very fond of her and that the feeling is mutual. Got in about 2am.”

Tuesday April 7^th, 1942 Davey Jones Shipped Home

“Sold my $50 overcoat for 50 Syrian pounds. Drove to Beirut and back. Stopped at the Arab family that bought my coat for a glass of wine and a chat. Saw the last of Davey Jones. He was sent home this morning. (If he don’t sell the boat on the way.).

Wednesday April 8, 1942 Dated Gunar

“Received three letters dated Jan 6-8-9, two from Jane. One from Mother. Drove to Beirut and played tennis with Roy Warn. ^{^[140]} Dated Gurna, she’s really alright. Drove back about 1pm

April 9, 1942: Larry Roeder declared a Casualty of War in Syria

Casualty, Syria. This may have happened in DEZ. ^{^[141]}

“Drove to Beirut. Received my cup for the tennis tourney. Numerous pill-boxes etc being erected in this part of the country lately. A German push through Turkey is expected no doubt. Had dinner at Dr. Boises’s home, a missionary from Detroit. Enjoyed the evening and learned a lot about Syria and its customs.”

Friday April 10, 1942 Dated Gunar Third Time

“Drove to Beirut and back. Played tennis at the CCS. Dated Gunar the third time this week. Drove back about 1am. Sent some snaps home.

Saturday April 11, 1942

“Had to pick up one hundred gross of French letters to put in the blue light stations at the Medical stores. Loafed around Tripoli all day. Spent the evening at the friend’s home of Ray Uncle Bill’s, a four hour meal and plenty of Arak, reeled home around 12:30.”

Sunday April 12, 1942

“Spent a very quiet day driving doing nothing. Saw Jane Withers in Rascals” at the local movie house”

Monday April 13, 1942 Evening with Gunar

“Drive to Beirut. Played tennis. Spent the evening with Gunar who is learning the art of pitching (unreadable) very fast, she is very eager pupil.”

Tuesday April 14, 1942

“Drove back to Tripoli after changing. Greece in my transmission and differential. Should leave in about 10 days for the Western Desert in Libya. Up to now have traveled over 5000 miles in the Middle East, over Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, TransJordan, Egypt, not counting Arabia, Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, etc. “Saw the Iron Duke at the movies.”^{^[142]}

Wednesday, April 15, 1942

“Received a letter from Norbert who is in Tacoma Washington. Drove to Beirut and back. Played tennis with Capt Cobley and the Colonel. Cobley said he like to go to England after the War, quote “barrels of wonderful beer. Town of bloody marvelous cheese.”

Thursday April 16, 1942

Did absolutely nothing. Saw His Girl Friday at the movies.

Friday April 17^th, 1942 Sub Attack Near Beirut – Evening with Gunar

“Last night an oil tanker was torpedoed and set ablaze 10 miles from Beirut by an enemy sub. You could still see the burning ship, plainly from the hospital this evening. Two air raid alarms today, no bombs dropped. Dated Gunar and spent a very pleasant evening. She wants me to get her a job in the hospital. I’ll be attached to when I get to Libya, as she has only a year to study before her MD. It could be done.”

Saturday April 18, 1942

“Received a letter from Dad, dated January 23. Drove to Beirut and back and heard we are to leave about the 23^rd for Libya. Tom DePew promoted to an officer for new unit. Another rumor has it we’ll go to Turkey or Russia. I find myself really anxious to see a little action.”

Sunday April 19, 1942

“Mass in Tripoli. Drove to Beirut and back about 11pm. A riot in Beirut, two blacks killed. I drove down to see the excitement but was all over. Saw Sullivan the first time since the shot he got in the knee in Aleppo.”

Monday April 20, 1942

“had tea with the Indian doctor from Punjab. He may get to St. Louis to pay me a visit someday. Loafed about Tripoli all day. Wrote five letters. “Saw Loretta young in the “Doctor Takes a Wife.”

Tuesday April 21, 1942

“Did absolutely nothing. I don’t believe I’’ ever be able to go back to work after the lazy life I am leading over here.”

Wednesday April 22, 1942 Goodbye Sweet Gunar

“Drove to Beirut, played tennis all afternoon and took Gunar out for a few drinks and said goodbye to her. May see her in Libya or if I get back to Syria. She may come to the states. She told me she would probably have to marry the man to whom she has been engaged to since birth, as it the Muslim custom.”

Thursday April 23, 1942

“Received a letter from home dated March 19. air mail. Ate john Goodwin’s Xmas cake that he received today. Took a swim at the beach (no subs sighted). Saw “Escape to Glory” with Pat O’Brien, et.”

Friday April 24, 1942 Depart Tripoli for Western Desert Action

“Packing to leave for the Western desert in Libya. I suppose we will finally see some action. Left Tripoli about 2pm for the transit camp. Got 6 days leave before going to Egypt. Saw “(unreadable) Girls”

Saturday, April 25, 1942 Transit Camp before Going to Western Desert

“Six men to a tent, sleeping on the sand. Drove to Haifa and kept the Ambulance for 24 hours. Spent the evening in Beirut with Jim Foster.”

Sunday, April 26, 1942

“Went horse back riding along the beach. Just another day.”

Monday, April 27, 1942 Met Larry Roeder who was in DEZ

“Met Larry Roeder who arrived from Dier el Zor. Heard Carter from St. Louis arrives with the 4^th Unit.”

Tuesday, April 28, 1942

“Laid around camp all day.”

Wednesday April 29, 1942

‘Drove to Haifa to cash a check for Father Kenny. Saw a local movie “Down Argentina Way.”

Thursday April 30, 1942

“Had dinner at the CCS and said goodbye to the old gang. I really hate to leave such a swell bunch of fellows. I have several addresses in Australia where I am invited any time. Wrote to Gunar.”

Friday May 1, 1942

“Up at 5am to leave for Egypt. Took a bus to Haifa and from there a train to El Kantara, crossed the Suez Canal by Ferry and then trucks to El Dhez.”^{^[143]}

Saturday May 2, 1942 Orders for Tobruk

“Arrived in El Dhez (probably means El Tahag, staging area for Tobruk) to find that Tom Eston was dead and Tom Kruse wounded, the first two casualties of the Field Service, also read in articles in the Egyptian paper where a group of the field service was lost at sea due to enemy action. We are supposed to work around Tobruk and guaranteed some action.”

Sunday May 3^rd, 1942

“Our first day in the desert with the seasonal winds blowing. Fine dust fills everything, hair, eyes, pockets, mess kits, etc. Met a Tommie who told me he just returned from the section where we are to work and the shells are fairly thick.”

Monday May 4, 1942. Roeder and others head to Western Desert

Ramsey Campbell was with Greg Waite, Wilson, Peabody, Allen, Locke, Pemberton and Roeder (this was during their travel to the western desert – any point west of Alexandria)^{^[144]}

Faulstich was already in the desert “Our second day here and still no equipment arriving. We have nothing to do but wait and listen to a few lectures given by the British on the desert. A little drilling, which was very comical. The dust still filling and blowing into everything.”

Picture of San storm at El Alamain taken by NZ Forces.

sandstorm ^{^[145]}

Tuesday, May 5, 1942

“Another lecture and practiced driving a 3 ton truck in V formation over the desert. Hot as hell the temperature at 135 degrees in the sun and a sand storm now blowing, some fun.”

Wednesday, May 6, 1942

“Temperature about 105 degrees in the shade about 11am in the morning; but then it warms up quite a bit by non. Another dust storm about 5pm and everything filled with dust. The rims of my specs are so hot they burn my face but it is encouraging to hear that it will get quite a bit warmer in the future.”

Thursday, May 7, 1942

“Received a letter from George Meyer. Was damned glad to hear from him and about the duck hunting I missed. Was show movies to enable us to “Know our Enemy” and movies on the benefits of camouflage. Another lecture on how to use a Sun compass for desert driving.”^{^[146]}

Friday, May 8, 1942

“Left here at 8am arrived in Cairo around 10am. Visited the Pyramids and Sphinx, rode a camel and spent a very enjoyable day and note there. The city was blacked out very little and seems quite alive at night. Cairo is about the nicest city we have been in since leaving. Spent a few hours at a very nice hotel near the Pyramids. Swimming pool, paddle tennis, bar, etc. Received a letter from home stating they have not heard from me since December 16^th. What’s wrong I don’t know. I’ve written about 100 letters.”

Note by Roeder: I figure Arthur must be talking about Mena House, which was about the only hotel in the area at the time and later in the war was used as the location of an allied conference. Built as a hunting lodge in the mid-1800’s by the Khedive, it is now certainly the best hotel in Egypt. I used to go there in the mid-fifties and eat grilled cheese sandwiches (gouda cheese) and lemonade and watch the Pyramids behind a screened in porch. Arthur must have used the same porch, as it is the most popular spot in the hotel, even today, even though now enclosed in glass. In Arthur’s time and my own, there was little habitation in the area; but Cairo has since stretched all the way out. He is right about the city though. Despite the massive growth, especially after Nassar took, over I recommend Cairo to anyone.^{^[147]}

Saturday May 9, 1942

“I received a new ambulance for our work in Libya, 21 miles on it. We will have a convoy of 60 ambulances our own work shop on wheels and our own machine gun and anti-aircraft for protection. We should be leaving soon. Sent another air mail letter home.”

Sunday May 10, 1942

“All mirrors taken off and windshields squirted with oil then sand in order to conceal from enemy air observation. Still waiting for orders to leave.”

Monday May 11, 1942

“Issued summer clothes. Pith helmets, turn-up shorts, shirts too small, putties, etc. This is a wonderful country. You don’t have to travel to see it all, as it all blows past you one day and back again the next.”

Tuesday May 12, 1942

“Interrupted and had to leave a movie before the finish due to an air raid. Wallace Berry was just about to plug the villain in 20 Makes Ten, when the lights went out.”

Wednesday May 13, 1942

“Absolutely nothing. This is doubt is one of those periods of intense inactivity.”

Thursday, May 14, 1942

“Worked like hell fixing my camouflage net, otherwise nothing doing.”

Friday May 15, 1942

“On guard duty from 8 to 10:30, spent the time trying to break into the cook house. We leave Sunday.”

Saturday, May 16, 1942 Trucks made ready for Battle

“Today the camp is the very picture of activity, 60 rigs with camouflage nets over their roofs, water cans being filled, extra gas tins issued, all cars greased and ready for about a five day convoy trip to Tobruk. Our Tommie machine gunners arrived last night. At last it looks as if we are in the verge of seeing some action. Received communion this Saturday nite, which I thought rather unusual.”

Sunday May 17, 1942 Leaving Tahag

According to Scott Gilmore, the convoy pulled out of Tahag this day and in three days reached a campsite near Pilistrano, a ridge about five miles SW of Tobruk. ^{^[148]} From Arthur, we learn that the drivers were up “at 4:15am. Left El Tahag at 6am and traveled until 5pm. Drove most of the afternoon in a sand storm and camped at Amiriya about 12 miles from Alexandria. After leaving Cairo where we had lunch in the shadow of the Pyramids, the country turned immediately to all desert.”

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Above. Rest Tent in Amiriya^{^[149]}

Monday May 18, 1942 Dad’s Dugout at Tobruk

Picture (above) of Harry Grieb, Germantown Pa, Carlton Keyser, Schobario, NY, William Thomas Oglio Bay, ^{^[150]}

According to the picture above, Dad, Harry Grieb, William Thomas and Carlton Keyser reached Tobruk by the 28^th. As for Arthur, “Left Amiriya at 6pm and drove 180 miles across the same type of desert as yesterday. Saw a few crackedplanes and trucks. Living on damned bully beef and bread and the damned conventional tea. Sidney Keable accompanied me.”^{^[151]}

Tuesday May 19, 1942 Pass through Sidi Barrani

“Left Matruh about 8am through Sidi Barrani, the scene of the beginning of Wavell’s big push and camped near Sallum and Hell-Fire Pass – all along the way, signs of the battles were evident, the wrecks of hundreds of Italian trucks, tractors and tanks strewed the way. “

Note by Roeder: In the 21^st Century, Sidi Barrani is سيدي برّاني a remote Bedouin village about 59 miles east of the Libyan Border. This was the farthest point of the Italian advance in world war Two.^{^[152]}

“ The weather is rather cool with terrific winds sweeping across the desert constantly, blowing dust into everything. All day and night, the wind whistles and howls and never let’s up. The food is terrible. We are living on dry bread and a little jam. I can’t eat the damned bully beef and fish.

“Passed numerous mine fields and arriving here at camp found many Italian shells, machine gun belts and several machine guns which were destroyed. Our camp site was bombed last nite so it may be our turn tonight.”

Wednesday May 20, 1942 Arrival Tobruk

‘Sallum Tobruk. All of our 66 ambulances finished ok. With each mile the results of the recent battles became more evident. Today we saw thousands of wrecked Italian and German trucks, many tanks rendered useless and abandoned, crashed planes, broken field guns and thousands of good shells, cartridges and German hand-grenades (potato masher type) lying in the fields. Also saw hundreds of groups of Germans and Italians along the road side. We were warned to touch nothing as they may be traps but our curiosity got the better of our fear and we all took souvenirs. Tobruk was marked and ships were sunk in the harbor. We camped a few miles out of Tobruk on a recent battlefield, enemy shells, clothing etc strewed the entire field. I parked near a small dugout made of sand bags and petrol tins and dug about three feet deep, a fairly safe place in case of an air raid. Most of the boys are digging slit trenches right now as I sit here and rest next to my ready made one, probably made by some Italian or German. Thanks Buddy, for saving me some work!

“Near Tobruk, I saw an ambulance with a large red cross on the roof, riddled with machine gun bullets and turned over, rather encouraging.

“Food terrible, bread and bully beef and onions.

“All types of dugouts around us and thousands of shells of every description are left abandoned in the field. This is supposed to be home”

Note by Roeder: Interesting comment about the shot up Red Cross Ambulance. My dad (Larry Roeder) mentioned that he slept in his ambulance during Tobruk and confirmed that the Germans would shoot the ambulances from the air.

Thursday May 21, 1942

“Spent the morning looking around our new home and discovered at least a million machine gun shells still packed in boxes and looking like new abandoned by the Italians in their hasty departure, all parts of their equipment litter the field, their loses in equipment must have been staggering. Today artillery firing can be heard, what type and what for I don’t know. In desert fighting, we are told there no front line as the different units are scattered and patrols penetrate 50 or 100 miles into enemy territory. Feeling plenty bad about 3pm with a fever. Spent most of the day on the stretcher in my rig.”

Friday May 22, 1942

“Passed a very restless night. Sherman Kuehn moved in with me, we picked up several thousand rounds of Italian shells and did a little target shooting with a rifle he found. Feeling better about noon. It sure is unpleasant change to be attached to the British after the 2 ½ months with the Australians. Their damned discipline and food or I should say lack of food.”

Saturday May 23, 1942

“Drove a load of patients from the 62^nd General Hospital in Tobruk to one near Bardia. Upon our return we found that a lone Messerschmidt shot down four British bombers in full view of our entire camp and escaped unhurt.

Rumor fills the air that the deadline is May 28 for the big British offensive if Jerry doesn’t beat him to it. I am very anxious to see it get started as things are rather dull.

At 10pm Jerry came over, it must have been a single plane as the firing was not very heavy, nor lasted long.”

Sunday, May 24, 1942

“Awakened at midnight when several enemy bombers came over, they were given a warm reception and it was a beautiful sight to see our defense guns put on a very colorful show with tracer bullets, anti-aircraft, etc. Awakened shortly before dawn by machine gun firing, at what target I don’t know.

“Spent the morning in Tobruk and saw what is left of the town. Every building is battle scarred or completely demolished. Life seems to be picking up a bit out here in the blue.

Today’s menu

Breakfast

2 tablespoons porridge

1 tablespoon bully beef

1 slice dry bread and tea

Lunch

1 oz cheese

½ oz jam

I sliver dry bread and tea

Dinner

Bully beef 3 oz potatoes

2 slices bread, jam, tea

I think I can last a few more days till my teeth start falling out. God bless the British Army. (oh! Yeah!)

Just returned from swimming . Tobruk was bombed while we were swimming and learned from the cook that rations are being cut down. I don’t believe they can do it. The water tastes terrible and your tongue must be hanging down to your navel before you can stand it. Just kills everything. Fleas get between your blankets and spend the night chewing on some undainty spot. No possible way of doing your laundry, dust and lack of salt water soap.

“I am beginning to see why every man who has been here, swears he will never return.

“Beginning to get a fever again and pain in my chest. Feeling worse.”

Monday May 25, 1942 Warning of German Offensive on Tobruk

“A meeting was called and we were told that big German offensive was to start at 1pm today. (How they found that out I don’t know) and the British intended to hold Tobruk and were preparing for another siege.

“The wind never seems to let up, by the time you carry your tea 10 yards, it is covered with a fine layer of dust, and you blow the dust of your bread before eating it.

“The only living wild life seems to be scorpions and snakes. Sandy was bitten by a scorpion and is feeling pretty sick.”

Tuesday may 26, 1942

“German bombers put in a big night last night around here. Jim and I made a dash fro an ambulance when one flew directly over us and the machine gun and anti0aircraft fire went up all around us. Looked like a typical 4^th July show. Our sleep was interrupted again at 12 and again at 5am. You could fee some of the bombs shake the ambulances. Spent most of the day in bed (sleeping bag on a stretcher) feeling some better.”

Wednesday May 27, 1942

“Didn’t sleep much last nite due to bombing. They came over every hour and guns fire and explosions didn’t give me much of a chance to sleep. They came over again during breakfast in broad day light.

“the M.D. room sent me to Tobruk’s 62^nd General Hospital, the sheets were kaki with sand and clay and everything filthy. Air raid kept up all day and our German was shot down over the hospital. About 10pm another plane was brought down by anti-aircraft fire. The raids kept up all day and night and our ward received a shaken several times.”

Thursday May 28, 1942 the offensive begins

“The long awaited offensive has begun, the wounded began to arrive here at the hospital last night. I’m not going to stay in the hospital now, malaria or not.

“Just saw the Colonel and I’ll have to stay till tomorrow but I should have a box seat for the fireworks.

“Almost three air raids this morning already. One group of about eight planes dropped their eggs not far from the hospital, it was a beautiful sight, their perfect formation with the puffs of the ack ack all around them.

‘yesterday the firing we heard was when a German tank column broke through and cut off our road of retreat to Bardia. The British wiped them out some time later. For a few hours we were surrounded. It should be a fine show around here this afternoon and nite as a British destroyer sank a German submarine outside the harbor and Jerry should be around for revenge.

“The German is in the same ward with me. Life is becoming very interesting and I’m forgetting that I’m supposed to be sick!

“Red, one of the Tommies from the Talma was just carried into the bed next to mine with a shell splinter wound. Quite a coincidence.

“Had a most enjoyable evening. Bought a bottle of Scotch for 65p and by the time Jerry came over the three of us were feeling pretty mellow. Had quite a row with the nurse who unsuccessfully tried to keep me indoors so I would miss the show. They dive bombed the place for about 2 hours and I stood pajamas and tin hat in the yard enjoying the colorful show, one bomb which landed close enough blew the windows open in our ward. Some of the nervous cases took it very hard and put on quite a scene.”

Friday May 29, 1942

“After enjoying 2 fine days in the hospital and making new friends there I found it hard to leave. Drove a group of wounded to Bordia and returned about 5pm. Several bombs shook the ambulance quite a bit but I found it too difficult to leave a warm stretcher and so stayed in bed.”

Saturday May 30, 1942

“I think it is Memorial Day back home, but here I just finished my washing, which was interrupted several times when I had to put my tin hat on when several bombers came over several times. It seems as though a man can’t even hang up without being disturbed. Right now it is 10am and a machine gun on my right is going off. I’ll grab my tin hat and continue later dear diary. (10 minutes later). At least a hundred anti-aircraft shells and all misses. Ten enemy planes passed over in full view, but no hits. – Went swimming to get clean. A new place, al Ogle, Bob Sullivan and I. As usual, the bombing started about 10. lee Kyle and Harry has a 5^th of Gin, and we really enjoyed watching the show, they rather interrupted my sleeping in the ambulance and outside of a little shrapnel flying around everything was ok.”

Sunday May 31, 1942

“Up at 6amand drove several wounded to Bardia in one of the worst dust storms up to the present. It was necessary to put the wind shield up, put goggles on and button up. The wounded were put on stretchers and laid in a dust filled tent to stay a day and night and then be evacuated again the following day. On the way back I passed thousands of lorries, armored cards etc moving up to the front in the general direction of Tobruck. As far as we know the offensive so far has been very successful but it such a wide front, it takes days to get the news. Received a letter from Jane Weber, enclosed notes from Reisse Compton, ed, Cecil, etc. they received my letters from India April 27^th. Washed up a bit and am now waiting Jerry’s next visit. I find it’s the only thing a fellow has to look forward to is this damned place. Moved into out new dugouts today but ill be damned if I sleep in the bug infested hole.”

June, 1942 (not dated) Larry Roeder in Cairo

Dad’s Ambulance (below) in front of Shepheard’s Hotel, Cairo. I noticed in Connecticut Yankee that some drivers frequented Groppi’s which unfortunately was described like the automat in New York. ^{^[153]} I can’t speak for the World War II experience of course; but I do know my father also went to Groppi’s and that we returned to it in the 1950’s while living in Maidi, an oasis outside Cairo near the Pyramids, and then again when I served for two years in the Sinai with the MFO. As a kid, I drank sweet homemade lemonade at Groppi’s and melted cheese sandwiches with mozzarella cheese that you could pull from the sandwich. And of course the pastries. Everyone goes to Groppis’ for the pastries and cakes and coffee, even today. Groppies forever I say.^{^[154]}

groppi

In a passage from Connecticut Yankee, Gilmore wondered about the attitude of the British to the AFS, given the undisciplined attitude of the AFS drivers. I can say that my Dad wasn’t impressed with the British officers, who while very brave looked down their noses at the drivers, who were not officers but certainly as educated as any.

ambulance01 ^{^[155]}

June 1, 1942

“Spent a comparatively quiet night, they only came over once and then they did stay long. Up at six to help load the hospital ship at the harbor in Tobruk, the offensive is going ok. We have taken Derna and I hope we will be moving up in a few days – Churchill says the war will be over in August but somehow I must disagree with him. We were assigned two to a dug-out but after finding that some folks were using one I drew for a public shit-house. I’ll still take my chances in an ambulance.

“Listened to the news broadcast from London tonight which stated that the Germans failed completely in their first attempt to take Tobruk. (Incidentally I’m here in Tobruk) and that American personal can be seen in the Middle East. *that’s us).

“Enemy forces must have been very close a couple of days ago as the British canteen retreated and left hundreds of tins of fruit, cigarettes etc. behind to be had for the taking (I missed it again).

Tuesday June 2^nd, 1942,

“A very peaceful nite, we were bothered only once or twice, by enemy planes and anti-aircraft firing. Up at 6amand hauled a load of wounded to Bardia in another terrible sand-storm. We were forced to stop many times till it died down enough to see a few yards of road.

“

Talk about filth and dirt, I didn’t know it was possible to remain healthy and still be so damned dirty. I’ve worn the same short and shorts for two weeks so full of sweat and dust that it weights a ton. I’m afraid my undies have streaks of tattletale gray.

“Jim left for Free French. Received an air mail from Norbert dated May 10. heavy firing near here all day. I wonder if Jerry is closing in. We don’t quite know what it is all about.”

Wednesday June 3, 1942

“As usual, Jerry came over some time last nite, the firing woke me once or twice. The news from London last nite claimed the Germans are advancing somewhat and that tank columns are past our front. Tobruk is their first objective. The firing can be heard quite plainly from our camp. Took another load of wounded to Bardia.

“Latest news. Germans five miles from us and the artillery fire getting louder. Things seem to be getting hot.”

Thursday June 4, 1942

“Another air raid as usual. Bill Thomas, Evan’s brother moved in with me today and we had a very enjoyable trip to Bardia. I listened to a lot of his father’s (Norman Thomas the socialist) ideas on the war situation. He seems a regular fellow. The offensive 9German) seems to be doing all right if the British and South Africans don’t do a little better I’m apt to spend awhile in Tobruk. I just heard they captured 3060 of the British armored division.”

Friday, June 5^th, 1942

“Lind Cyrl and Bobby Barnes dropped over from the South African artillery division and we spent a pleasant afternoon. Washed a couple of shirts in gasoline due to the shortage of water. Seem to be getting adapted to the filthy life here and don’t mind it as much as I used to.

“Didn’t get much sleep last nite after about 1 o’clock. German bombers flew over all night and the machine gun fire and heavy ack ack was very annoying after awhile. Put my tin hat over my face and finally fell asleep in spite of the damned noise.”

Saturday, June 6^th, 1942

“Drove to Bardia as usual. On return as I neared Tobruk an air raid was in progress and one bomb dropped about a couple of hundred yards from thee of our ambulances. The Germans have taken El Adem [156]and Beir Hakim and we were told to draw three days food and water rations which does not sound very optimistic. Apparently the Germans seem to be doing all right.

“Called together in a special meeting this evening and told the British got wind of an attempt by the Germans to land parachute troops on or near camp site. We were each given 3 days food rations and told if any flares were dropped it would be a sure sign and we were to report to a designated dugout in order to move out in order. At 5am the sound of planes and firing woke me, there seemed to be a large number of enemy planes and damned it, if for the first time they did drop almost 25 flares that light up the whole field. I naturally thought our big moment had come and dragged myself out of a warm sleeping bag and reported to said dugout, only to go back to bed when they left after dropping a few bombs on Tobruk. Rather disappointing.”

Sunday June 7^th, 1942

“Drove to Bardia as usual. Took most of my kit with me as the chances of losing it seem probable. Met Carl Shubert who was crying for action when in Syria, seems as though he got mixed up in a retreat about 40 miles from here and his not got enough. He said he could have thrown rocks at the Jerry tanks they were so close. Anyway, he’s singing an entirely different tune.

“Another couple hours entertainment from 10 to 12 when Jerry came over and dropped some real heavy stuff. We saw one Jerry plane come down in flames from the ack ack fire and the intense barrage of machine gun and ack ack did not drive them.”

Monday June 8^th, 1942 Transport Prisoners of War

“Awakened at 5am by heavy firing and planes overhead a few bombs were dropped and I slept soundly till 7. Drove about 20 Italian and German prisoners to Cappuzzo, one Jerry could speak English and apparently was under the impression that Germany had already won the war, when a plan flew overhead he put on his tin hat, apparently he had a lot of faith in his own countrymen’s marksmanship. We share our rations with them.

“From the news broadcasts in London and from boys who went through all the African campaigns, the general impression is that the most violent fighting the desert has ever seen is now raging.”

Note by Roeder: Cappuzzo (also known as Capuzzi) became one of the British Forts near Tobruk, and according to Falstich a drop off point for prisoners of war.

capuzzi ^{^[157]}

Photo of Fort Cappuzzo

Tuesday June 9^th. Tobruk. Roeder Cuts Faulstich’s Hair

Dad cut Faulstich’s hair and Faulstich greased his car and did his laundry.

“The first quiet night in 16. Not a shot fired or else I never heard it. Drove a load of wounded to the hospital ship. Met 8 of the gang who were mixed up in the British and Indian retreat at “Knightsbridge.” They lost all of their equipment and 90 of the 100 of the ADS were kills or wounded. Lost 30 trucks going through their own mine fields.”^{^[158]}

Wednesday June 10^th, 1942 Gunar sends letter. Dad et all eat “well.”

“Another quiet night. Drove to a small beach near Tobruk and took a bath the first in a long time – received a letter from Gunar Naib who is in Aleppo. Her address is Gunard (or Gunar -- Faulstich used different spellings) Neib, Street Aziziels, Aleppo, Syria. She wants to spend her vacation in some hospital near here. It would be nice.

“Usually spend the evening with Lee Kyle, Harry Grieb, Bill Thomas and Larry Roeder. The last few evenings we have been able to scrounge a few cans of cheese and a pack of hard tack for a snack before bed,”

Thursday June 11, 1942 Food begins to improve.

“Another day off. The food is improving both in quantity and quality. Just another day.”

Note by Roeder: Interesting comment. On June 10-11, the Axis finally drove the Free French forces out of Bir Hacheim, and on June 11 Rommel's panzers broke out of the Cauldron. Bir Hacheim is the name of a Metro Station in Paris and for good reason. “Bir Hakeim 31°36′N, 23°29′E (sometimes written Bir Hacheim) is a remote waterpoint in the Libyan desert, and the former site of a Turkish fort. From May 26 to June 11, 1942, the First Free French Division of General Marie Pierre Koenig defended the site against the Italian and German Afrika Korps of General Erwin Rommel. Resisting for 16 days, the Free French gave the retreating British Eighth Army enough time to reorganize, allowing them to subsequently defeat the Afrika Korps at the First Battle of El Alamein. General Bernard Saint-Hillier would say in an October 1991 interview: A grain of sand had curbed the Axis advance, which reached Al-Alamein only after the arrival of the rested British divisions: this grain of sand was Bir Hakeim.^{[1]^[159]}

Friday June 12, 1942 Word Gets through on German Advance

“On my way to Tobruk from Bardia, I noticed for the first time hundreds of lorries, tanks, Bren gun carriers, etc, three lanes wide, all headed for Bardia and I was one of the only cards headed towards Tobruk. Arriving at the Al-Adem road an MP stopped me and told me, as I was driving an ambulance I could go forward but he stopped all lorries and halted them, not allowing them to continue on their way to Tobruk. He said the Germans had broken through and the cars I saw were retreating so I experienced sort of a thrill to be able to be practically the only car able to advance with the possibility of being cut off. Apparently things are not running as smooth as the British expected. It’s just these sort of things that make the life here a little more interesting and thus bearable. Another plane shot down near camp.”

Saturday June 13, 1942

“Its 5pm and a sand storm has been blowing all day. Fine dust fills everything. I had to dust this diary before writing in it and it was in one of my bags. An explosion about a hundred or two yards away woke me out of an afternoon nap. I suppose a plane dropped a stray bomb. Several low Jerry planes machine gunned the road this morning. The ack ack drove them off. – The Germans have taken Al-Aden and all last night, British artillery moved to meet them through our camp. If they break through the Bardia road we will be surrounded. Anything can happen now.”

Sunday June 14, 1942

“Mass and communion at the chapel in Tobruk. Things seem to be getting worse. George Tichnor was shot in the head and killed. Arthur Stratton shot in both legs and an arm and Stan Kulock, MacEllwain and Strueywassen captured by the enemy. From general reports much equipment and men are retreated toward Sidi Barrani. Looks like Jerry is having his day. To make things more enjoyable, another damned dust storm has been blowing to beat all hell. At least it keeps life from getting too boring in the dusty hole.”

Note: Sidi Barrani سيدي برّاني is a village in Egypt. “Rommel's plan was to take Tobruk in a three-day campaign---starting with simultaneous attacks on Bir Hakim and on the El Adem-Sidi Rezegh area, followed by a mop-up of the troops to the rear at Gazala and then by the attack on Tobruk itself. After this he intended to drive the British out of Libya, to continue across Egypt and north through Syria, and eventually to join other German forces, after Stalingrad, somewhere in Russia. It was a grand plan, which on several occasions during the next few months was very close to success.”^{^[160]}

Monday June 15, 1942

“A hurried meeting called at midnight, at 4:30. We were awakened and told we were to retreat (foiling the enemy by lengthening his supply lines) to Sidi Barrani. We left the hospital at Tobruk with all of the patients we could carry and traveled all day over the highway which was crammed with every type of army vehicle. Again the British have completed another of their successful retreats.”

Tuesday June 16, 1942 Larry Roeder at Sidi Barrani

“Camping about 30 miles east of Sidi Barrani on a very beautiful camp site, a small oasis with about a hundred palm trees on the edge of a beautiful white sand beach on the sea. Larry moved in with me and we spent the day washing our clothes and the entire afternoon on the beach, the water is clear or crystal and sand pure white – I imagine we will stay here for a while, with nothing to do but eat and swim. What a war, I still think Sherman was crazy. Just heard the Germans took the road leading to Tobruk, we just got out in time, one more day and we would have been surrounded.”

Note by Roeder: Sidi Barrani (Arabic: سيدي برّاني) is a village in Egypt, near the Mediterranean Sea, about 95 km (59 miles) east of the border with Libya, and around 240 km (149 miles) from Tobruk. Sidi Barrani is mainly a Bedouin community, with food and gasoline supplies, but it has little if any tourist activity or organized historical curiosities. It has only one small hotel.^{^[161]}

Wednesday, June 17, 1942

“Just like a picnic only I got too much sun burn yesterday and took it easy today. Bought some bottle beer and chocolate and with what we could scrounge we have a delightful time in the evenings with our blankets spread at the sea shore lying and bulling each other. The only thing lacking is feminine atmosphere. Finished the 10 bottles of Canadian ale and quart of Scotch Vat 69.^{^[162]} Harry had a fine a toot on as one would want and a good time was had by all. Enemy planes dropped several flares but nothing else.”

Thursday June 18, 1942. Roeder and Faulstich Defend Passports

“Larry and I refused to turn in our passports unless we received a receipt from the consul, whereupon we were called before Captain King. Larry explained why and we still are in possession of same. ^{^[163]}

dadpassport003

Passport Photo of Larry Winter Roeder^{^[164]}

“Spent the afternoon on the beach. Pinched a bit of canned goods and intend to hold another stag dinner roast or I should say cheese and hard tack roast tonight.

“The battle for Tobruk is not going too well, so Col Richmond wrote a strong letter to the British and I think we may go to the front in sub-sections or small groups to different fighting zones. Finished a few bottles of ale and enjoyed pleasant evening.”

Friday June 19, 1942 British “strafe” Beach Swimmers.

“Just another day of swimming and loafing and thinking. I know what it must be like to be ship-wrecked on a desert isle. We seem to be in the same position. Nothing to do and all day to do it. Picked up an Italian automatic but no shells to try it out.”

“An amusing incident occurred today on the beach. Two planes appeared flying very low and making straight for us on the beach, as they neared they let off a short burst of machine gun fire and about 100 of us made for cover but they turned out to be British and probably did it for a laugh.”

Saturday June 20, 1942 Larry and Faulstich getting Bored

“Received two air mail from home. Urban states Bernard is pres of Car tennis team. I’ll bet he really takes care of things (oh yeah) I’ll bet.

“Larry and I are getting a bit burned off nothing to do but eat, sleep and swim.

“The Germans are 55 miles west of Bardia and I suppose the British are still retreating, as usual. I really think the British will make a stand, before they let Jerry take Sheppard’s Hotel in Cairo.”

Sunday, June 21, 1942

“Tobruk has fallen and the Germans are fighting for Gollum. It looks like we got out in time but I wouldn’t mind being sent up for some of the work at Gollum. Told to pack up and be ready to leave at 7am. Another retreat seems likely.”

Monday, June 22, 1942

“Left at 7am and drove all day over the desert off of the roads. My back is sorely bruised from rubbing on the back of the seat from going over the bumps. Traveled about 35 miles south into the desert then northeast and am camping now at Matruch. Passed several burning trucks on the road, apparently the results of air attacks a few minutes before our arrival.”

Tuesday, June 23, 1942

“Left camp with Al Ogle and drove two officers from the 58th field hospital to the 200^th Field Hospital. Arrived at the 200^th about 7pm and held the lantern while the Major dressed the wounded leg. Shared ambulance with Lt. Jones of the tank corps.”

Wednesday, June 24, 1942

“Col Shubert and I left the hospital about 9am, arrived in Alexandria about 2pm and proceeded about 30 miles east, along the Nile Delta to the 3^rd General Hospital, where we decided to put up for the night. After our first shower in 6 weeks we had dinner at the Sergeants mess, etc. Snapped a picture and promised to send one to each of the officers, Lt. C. Jones, 6^th Royal Tank Regiment, MEJ^{^[165]} and Lt R. Lawrenson, 1^st LAF 102^nd Military Mission. Unlike most British officers, they were regular fellows and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.”

Thursday June 25, 1942 Day in Alex. Another Letter from Gunar.

“Up at 7 and in Alexandria at 9. without a doubt Alex is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. We spent the day there dressed as if we were still in Tobruk, shorts, British boots, pith helmets and four days of beard and felt rather conspicuous as no doubt we were.

“Everyone seems t feel badly about the bloody bad show the British put on about Tobruk as they estimate two whole divisions of South Africans were lost or captured, excluding the British and Indians.

“We ended a pleasant day by selling several things to the Arabs and coming back with about a half pound more than what we started with – received another letter from Gunar.”

Friday, June 26, 1942

“Awakened about midnight and told to pack up as we were moving down the line – Flares were dropped by enemy planes, then bombs dropped as we were taking down the cook tent. (I helped in hopes of pinching some food). We pulled out and drove in the moonlight. Upon arriving at our new camp site, we had no sooner pulled off the road a couple of hundred yards when German planes soared overhead, dropped flares, a few bombs and machine gunned the road on which we had been traveling. You could see the tracer bullets as the front guns as well as the read riddled the road. According to the radio news, Jerry is still advancing and we in good British style are still retreating.”

Saturday, June 27^th, 1942

“Again moved to a different camp site this time up the line. Left camp and spent the night at the 200^th field hospital to leave early tomorrow morning for evacuation of wounded to Alexandria, about 100 miles east.

“John Stockly drove to Bugueli (hard to read). On way back stopped a couple hours in Alexandria and drove part of the way by moonlight. Parked on the road about 10:30 and except for a few air bombs exploding somewhere in the vicinity about midnight, spent a comfortable night.”

Sunday June 28, 1942 Germans are close

“Arrived back in camp about 9am to find it had been bombed and strafed in our absence, several ambulances destroyed. Due to an upset stomach I spent the day on a stretcher in my ambulance – a few of us are stationed here with the 200^th Field Ambulance Company to evacuate in case the Germans get this far tonight. We are ordered to dig slit trenches and not sleep in our rigs. According to the news, Jerry and not many miles to the west and is due about here sometime tonight or tomorrow. The Colonel just dropped over and said there is absolutely nothing between us and the Germans and therefore be ready to move any time tonight.”

Monday June 29, 1942

“Jerry was fairly busy around here last night bombing and strafing. As most of the boys filled up their cars with canned goods, tobacco, clothing, rum, etc. yesterday, I decided to drive a few miles to the deserted store buildings to see if there was anything left. The farther I drove the more deserted the land became. Lorries, tractors and tons of equipment were left deserted and not a soul in sight. When two trucks did come in view they headed me off and I naturally thought they were Jerry; but it turned out to be Tommy with three wounded and one corpse, an arm blown off of one a leg off the other. They had fought their way out of Matrouh last night when completely surrounded.

“We seem to be the farthest advanced medical unit (or any unit) in this zone. I suppose at any moment we can expect to see Jerry driving down the road. Some of the boys just came back from a raid on the NAAFI (stores) and we have all the food, etc we can carry. Chuck has a four gallon jerry, petrol can of rum.

“Made another raid on the food store house and put enough in my car to last six month (21 pounds of prunes, 10 pounds of tobacco, corn flakes, milk, canned steak and vegetables, soap, shirts, 24 cans cheese etc. The stores left millions of cans of foodstuffs etc when they retreated and battle worn troop seemed happy as kids on a picnic as they stopped long enough to fill up their trucks.

“Lost several good friends today, killed while driving their ambulances, Bill Mitchell, Sandy and three more missing. Tough Luck.” He then wrote “while on the road” but crossed the words out.”

Tuesday, June 30, 1942

“After retreating about 500 miles and changing camps about seven times, we have halted again about 40 miles from Alexandria and hope the Germans can be stopped before they take the Suez Canal – borrowed three Egyptian pounds to purchase some articles from a Tommie.

“The usual air raids last nite but did not lose much sleep over them. The German news claims they have cut the Alexandria-Cairo road. Dust storm all afternoon, driving very difficult, very hot.

“The Germans entered El Daba four hours after we left, just a little too close for comfort.”^{^[166]}

Map of El Daba and other locations along the Coast^{^[167]}

El Daba is at upper left. Just copy and paste map and then expand

To see fine details.

mapeldaba

July 1, 1942

“Drove to Alexandria and opened the back of my ambulance for a big grocery sale. Sold 24 tins of bacon, tobacco, etc for two Egyptian pounds ($8 US). It made a very amusing scene as the Arabs crowded around for the big sale, luckily no Military Policy showed up.”

Thursday July 2^nd, 1942

“Drove to the 64^th General Hospital in Alexandria. Parking in a No Parking Zone and had a bit of trouble with the MP’s. The battle seems to have taken a turn for the better and John Goodwin and I intend to join some group going up as soon as we can make the arrangements.”

Friday, July 3^rd, 1942

“Drove to the 64^th in Alex and met two of our old Aussie friends from the 2^nd and 3^rd CCS of Syria, Captain Turnbull and Major --- About 10 miles out of Alex we met the entire staff of the 2^nd 11^th Australian Field Hospital who we worked under in Tripoli. The Colonel was glad to see me and asked for Ambulances and our sub-section to accompany him to hospital to the front. I hope we can.”

Saturday, July 4^th, 1942

“The British just don’t seem to anxious to help celebrate this famous holiday. Drove to Alex and met our Tommie cooks. Took in a show “A Woman’s Face” with Joan Crawford and then went roller skating. Drove around Alex in the Blackout but life seems to go on as usual even though Jerry is only 60 miles away. About midnight Jerry came over and did a lot of bombing but didn’t stay long.”

July 5, 1942 Larry Roeder Leaves for AFS HQ Alexandria

“Larry Roeder left for AFS HQ forty miles east of Alexandria because of his sinus trouble. (this was during our retreat to Alamein)”^{^[168]} “Left Alex about 9am and about twenty of us are now attached to a field ambulance co of Indian about 20 miles from Alex. The six of us are still trying to join the 200^th Australians going to the front.”

July 6, 1942

“Slept about one hour last nite due to the millions of mosquitoes. The netting didn’t even help. I have 30 bites on one elbow alone. The flies are jut as bad and insist on crawling in your mouth, eye or nose if you close fighting them for on moment. After this one night in the Delta, I am ready to go back to the desert.

“Drove all day looking for different advanced dressing stations in the interior of the Delta region and saw sights to be equaled only in India, for filth and living conditions.”

July 7, 1942

“Drove to headquarters to see Capt King about returning to the desert as one feels pretty useless sitting around this mosquito infested Delta while there should be some work to do. I missed a gang leaving for the front by about 2 hours (damn it!)”

July 8, 1942 Roeder on his Way to Syria while mustering out of AFS

“Did absolutely nothing. Laid on my lazy back all day and read. Heard that Larry was trying to get home and on his way to Syria in the meantime.”

July 9, 1942 Ramsey Campbell dinner with Larry Roeder in Cairo

Ramsey Campbell was bombed last night (Alamein area). Got trip to Alexandria with five sitters and went to Tanta (near Cairo) for a spare tire and decided to drop into Cairo for supper and a night's rest. (Truman Murphy, our mechanic was me). Dined at Au Coin de France with Larry Roeder whom we met.^{^[169]} Same day Dad is declared a casualty.^{^[170]} Faulstich meanwhile “Drove to HQ and preparing to leave for Desert again.”^{^[171]}

Friday, July 10, 1942

“After asking for the 200^th time, Capt. King finally consented and is sending me to the New Zealand troops on the front lines. Packed the car with extra water and petrol and all set to go at 2pm. All the boys who have been them were anxious to get out as the firing and air raids seem to be very heavy. Stockly riding with me.

“I suppose if Harry, Lee, John, Nettleton, Goslin or Mac are bumped off they have me to blame. Capt King and Colonel Richmond accompanied us in their staff car with Russ using the maps and compass to direct us across desert.

“Lost our way, and stopped for the night in the desert, made tea and cold canned beef stew for supper. Broken hard tack soaked in milk for desert.”

Sat July 11, 1942

“Arrival at the 5^th MDS from there to ADS and then told to report to the RAP as a push was to start tonight. Arrived at the New Zealand and Maori RAP just at dusk, they had just lost three men and I spent the nite on a stretcher with shell fire and mortar fire going all nite. I am writing this at 5:30am in the morning, right in the front lines, the sounds of rumbling tanks and machine gun and shell fire all around. This should be a very interesting day. (It was).”

Sunday July 12, 1942

“After I was attached to the British, then the Australians, then again the British, then Indians and now the New Zealanders and Maroi. After some shelling last nite the Captain (doctor) and I left for the Jerry front to dress or find wounded. In the way several shells landed quite close and we drove among the dug-in infantry. We took quite a tour of the front and saw large numbers of destroyed Italian trucks and field pieces.

“I supposed I should return to the MDS but being here with the 23^rd RAP is getting an interesting experience.

“We saw several groups of Kitty-Hawks fly over and deposit their loads of bombs on enemy lines. ^{^[172]} All day our artillery, which was in back of us, kept up a steady fire on the enemy lines. We could hear the bark of their pieces then the whistle of the shells and could see where they landed almost a half mile in front of us.

“Living on tea, hard tack and bully-beef, and not minding it as the fun more than makes up for the empty stomach. One quart of water per man perhaps per day. Casualties light.”

Monday July 13, 1942

“Today a Kitty-Hawk shot down a Messerschmidt which landed about a quarter of a mile from where I was driving. Upon arriving at the scene only small bit of human flesh and hair could be found of the pilot and these scattered over an area of about 100 yards. The only part of the plane you could recognize was the parachute, a piece of which I now use to clean my mess tin.”

kittyhawk Picture of Kitty Hawk

Tuesday July 14, 1942

“Today was a bad one for us. About twenty dive bombers came over, hit an ammunition truck, a cook truck, several other lorries and killed about a dozen men and wounded about 50 others. I was the first to arrive and we carried quite a few that died a few minutes later.

“They came over about 2 hours later about a mile away again.

“McLarty, who came out with us was wounded a piece of shrapnel give him a nasty wound in the ass and his ambulance was totally demolished. Both our water trucks were pierced, damn it.

“Upon our arrival at the scene, a few minutes after, Jerry again came over and you should have seen the boy scramble for holes or slit trenches.”

Wednesday July 15, 1942 The Horror of war Becomes Real

“What a day. At 5am we moved up to the RAF which was situated in with the infantry. Both sides were exchanging shells to mortars.

“Had the thrilling experience of driving into a mine-field in order to get a wounded machine gunner and I also backed out over the same tracks, my tires made going in.

“They bombed the ADS where we were stationed and my spare driver. Stuckly was almost buried by a close one. Several big formations of big German (might be Kerman) bombers flew directly over my head while driving between the ADS and MDS.

“On one trip back which is a distance of about 15 miles cross country over desert I became lost and using my compass found I was driving west instead of East and was somewhere in non-man’s land, not a soul or vehicles in sight and the desert looking the same in every direction. It was a horrible realization and I will never forget it. Four badly wounded patients helped to increase my fears. After about an hour of driving I finally found a Kiwi truck and came in, only to find one patient had bled to death on the way. The entire floor of my car was a pool of blood, blood on my bedding roll, blanket, etc. All day today the real horrors of war were unrolled before my eyes, men with arms, legs etc were numerous. Many wounded Italians and Germans were dressed and take care of.

“On my way back to the ADS we were bombed twice and it was just a pleasant feeling to drive in the desert with no cover and no slit trenches at nite. Proceeding onward then we became lost somewhere at the front and drove from one shelled place to another trying to find the 5^th ADS. While we were still lost we found two wounded and then there were four of us lost. Finding an Indian ambulance we tried to follow it to his MOS but he became lost so we parked on the desert all night and made our patients as comfortable as possible. Truly a most extraordinary day.”

Thursday, July 16^th, 1942

“Got rid of our patients at an Indian ADS and found we were about 20 miles off our course. After driving about an hour westward we ran into a column of Australians who were distributing hand grenades, loading guns and digging in. They claimed Jerry had fought through the New Zealanders and were coming in exactly the direction that we were going (our next act is obvious).

“We stuck around thinking we might get some wounded but apparently something stopped him. Found our bearings about 1pm and arrived at the 4^th MDS to find the 5^th MPS and APS and RAP had moved so I am sitting here at 3pm telling my diary my troubles and to hell with everything.

“At 3pm set out for the APS and made another trip back. On the way back about 20 Stuka dive bombers flew directly over us and then dived on a column about ½ mile away, set lorries on fire and killed the usual amount. A few minutes later a single plane flew over and dropped a single bomb.

“Tonight there will be a handy slit trench right outside my back door..

“Lee Kyle had his ambulance blown up in a mine field last nite, the same field I drove over yesterday. Out of the five ambulances that came out here five days ago, only three of us are left. Tough luck.

“I am writing this at 8:45pm at the ADS about 2 miles from the main front line. An occasional shell bursts in the vicinity and it is getting too dark to see well. A big tank battle took place about an hour ago about two miles from here. Results unknown.”

Friday, July 17, 1942

“Yesterday McMeeken brought in a German truck filled with German prisoners. All type of souvenirs are being picked up. Bob Sullivan came up today and we toured the different RAPs. One shell burst rather close but no harm done.

“The last we heard of Lee Kyle I was heading eastward after his unfortunate experience. Met a Catholic priest right up in the front area today.

“Sully is still anxious to bring back the ears of some Jerry or Iti for his girl friend and I know he means it.”

Saturday July 18, 1942: Roeder sent to L&T Camp for Repatriation

Dad’s medical records show he was sent this day to 157 L&T Camp for immediate repatriation to USA^{^[173]}. Dad also visited the Consular Section, American Legation, Cairo.^{^[174]}

As for Faulstich, “Woke up feeling rotten. I hope its not sand fly fever again. ^{^[175]} The Kiwis are going in again at 5:30 and the artillery is starting already. Feeling the way I did I hope it were not too busy tonight.

“Bombed, straffed etc today while looking for wounded after a bombing.

“The most common disease around here is slit-trench knee which we all have (cause obvious).

July 19, 1942 Roeder Embarks Suez for America

According to Dad’s medical records, under order AFW5169 he Embarked Suez for America^{^[176]}

“ Andy Grier came up from HQ today and brought 2 letters from home. Still feeling pretty low and so spent most of the day on a stretcher. Very little activity today, some shelling and one air raid by 12 Italian planes. This evening Any Geer and Buck in an attempt to get our ambulances out of the mine field blew up themselves and no there are two AFS cars blown up in the same field. (Good work Andy.).

Battles of El Alamein Recollections by Dad

There was always been some confusion in my mind as to whether Dad was in either of the tank battle of El Alamein, in part because did didn’t talk much about his experiences, not untypical of his generation.. He clearly saw a lot of dangerous action; but did he go to these? With the above Medical Notion of his embarkation to America, it becomes clear that he did not do either of the battles. The first battle of July 27, 1942, which stalled the Axis powers, and the Second Battle was October 23-November 3, 1942), which turned the tide in the African Campaign. However, I do know from recollections by Dad that he was involved in treating a British soldier near the front where the main fighting was to take place. Cairo was in fact within a short drive from the Battle; and I’ve always had the impression that while Dad wasn’t in the fighting within the official dates, he was there for the scrimmages just prior. (See Discussions and photos from July 9, 1941, Ramsey Campbell).

Monday July 20, 1942

“Not much doing all day. The artillery is opening up now 06:30 and only one air raid. Saved about 3 days rum issue and acquired a mellow glow.”

Tuesday July 21, 1942

“Shelled around the vicinity about 09:30am. Listened to one of the funniest stories in my life told by a Kiwi of his impression of his visit to Jerusalem. The footprint of Christ on Ascension mountain etc. I must try to remember part of it.

“Just received a letter from Lorraine Contento – Bern gone to Memphis to study Optometry. Urb left for San Ana and mother all alone. Some mess. I should try to get home. Should be busy tonight. The Kiwis are going in again. (It war).”

Wednesday July 22, 1942

“Spent all last night driving wounded all over the desert and being lost most of the time. The Aussies, Indian and Kiwis attacked and pushed Jerry back a couple of miles. First they sent over a heavy artillery barrage and then attacked with bayonets -- Jerry shelling is pretty heavy this morning around the ADS which is too far up in front. Busy all day and another attack scheduled for tonight.

“at 07:10 on the radio announcer was stating that enemy air activity was practically stopped, 20 Stuckas came over for the third time today and blew hell out of things.^{^[177]}

“Arriving to the MDS about10pm in the moonlight, one patient with a foot amputated, a plane dropped several bombs a short distance to our rear, a hell of a feeling when you can’t see where you are going, driving with no lights, feeling responsible for your patients and then some damned fool further complicates matters by dropping bombs near you.

“Arriving at the MDS, the floor of the car a pool of blood, we had to wait an hour or two till they could look at our patients. Men even lying on stretchers on the ground in every kind of condition. I realize now that Sherman was right after all.”

Thursday July 23^rd, 1942

“Started the day off with a doz Stukas diving a short distance away. A Messerschmidt shot down a Kittyhawk about 500 yards from where I was parked. I saw one souvenir hunter take the watch from the wrist and hand that was lying 50 yards from parts of the body. A horrible mess.

“ Lost another one our ambulances today by machine gun fire. That makes five ambulances out of twenty we lost the last week. Several more Stuka raids in the near vicinity.”

Friday July 24, 1942 Word of Larry Roeder reaches field.

“Col Richmond dropped out here for a visit and told me Larry had gone home.

“ Just heard that McLarty died of wounds a few days ago. He was one of the five of us that came out together. There are just two of the 5 ambulances left and we have only been out two weeks..

“Just got back from the point where a parachute landed after watching a dog fight right over head. Twenty six planes with machine guns rattling at each other directly overhead for about 15 minutes. Results, one hurricane pilot shot down, the plane landed about 500 yards from us and he parachuted to safety but was badly burned and injured.”

Sat July 25, 1942

“All last night enemy bombers were at work around us, using the moon light to their advantage. They woke me at midnight and on one occasion flew directly over m y ambulance not 20 yards off the ground. I dashed out of my bed inside and dived into a slit trench. Luckily it was not necessary as they dropped their bombs a few hundred yards to our rear. The rest of the day was rather quiet. Possibly the lull before the storm.”

Sunday July 26, 1942

“Potentially no action, due to severe dust storm. Flies are terrible, thousands fill your ambulance and you are forced to brush them off of each particle of food before eating. They insist on crawling into your mouth, nose, eyes, etc. Damn these flies.”

Monday July 27, 1942

“Not a great deal of anything doing. A heavy artillery duel for a couple of hours and a few boys brought in who were blown up in our own mines.”

Tuesday July 28, 1942

“Dust – sand – flies – bully beef stew.”

Wednesday July 29, 1942

“Left the front and drove back to headquarters. On the way we drove around miles of mine fields, through narrow passages through them. Arriving at HQ, we got our first shower or bath in 22 days.”

Thursday, July 30, 1942

“Greased, changed oil and grease in car. Write several letters.”

Friday, July 31, 1942

“Went into Alexandria on 2 day leave. Stopped at the New Zealand Club with Sully, Goslin, Dick Voss, etc. Received my first $20 pay since leaving home. It will sure come in handy here in Alex.

“Here at the club you pay 15 piastres for bed and breakfast and 10 pi for dinner and supper, a very comfortable place.”

Saturday, August 1, 1942

“Alex was bombed again last night. Awakened about 2am by ack ack fire and could hear all the wogs running for air raid shelters.”

Sunday, August 2, 1942

“Mass at 9am at St. Catherine. Spent most of the day eating, etc. Meals at the club are excellent. Ended our leave.”

Monday, August 3, 1942

“Planes and ack ack firing all night. Went to work for the 14^th CCS and drove to Alex. From there went to Sidi Bishi where we met the old gang of Aussies from the 2^nd 3^rd CCS from Syria. Roy Ward, Lynn Clark, Fisher, etc. Alf Higgins.

Tuesday, August 4, 1942

“Drove to Alex and spent the night there. Took in all the low drives including an inspection of Government inspected No 6 rum by the army. Crashed the movie.”

Wednesday, August 5, 1942

“Into Alex again. Saw “navy Blues” at he Rialto.^{^[178]} Stopped at the New Zealand club. A hellava big bomb was dropped near the 8^th CCS in Alex. It damned near shook the roof in.”

Here are some pictures of the Rialto from the 1980’s.

Thursday, August 6, 1942

“Into Alex again. And spent the night at the 8^th hospital.”

Friday, August 7, 1942

“Drove back from Alex and then to the 200^th Field Ambulance in Amiraya. At this time and the last few weeks everyone seems to have “desert sores” caused by a small scratch or sore becoming infected by the dust and flies. So far, I’ve been lucky.”

Saturday August 8, 1942

“Into Alex again. Quite a bit of air activity around here the last couple of days. A few bombings etc.

Sunday, August 9, 1942

“Into Alex and back. Heard our sub-section was to leave for Syria next Wednesday. Bad luck. Tom de Pew should arrive here soon. The whole bunch that’s been here since May are being transferred to Syria.

“A wog in Alex offered me $100 for 100 blankets. It would be easy to get them but I turned the offer down.”

Monday, August 10, 1942 Interesting story about German Prisoners

“Usual trip to Alex. Met Jim Foster who is with the Free French, who I son his way to the front on leave. Many of the German prisoners we carry claim that the war in the desert is much worse on the individual soldier that that in Russia. Many were brought to the desert after fighting a year in Russia.”

Tuesday, August 11, 1942

“Some air activity in the vicinity. Drove to HQ to get ready to leave for Syria. I got to like the desert with all its discomforts and I hate to leave for the quiet life in Syria.”

Wednesday, August 12, 1942 Movement Back to Syria

“The section from Syria arrived. Started on our 700 mi trip to Syria in a 3 ton lorry and stopped in a hotel in Cairo for the evening and night. Probably saw the last of the desert and rather leave it reluctantly.”

Thursday August 13, 1942 Arrive Beir Sheba

“Left Cairo and spent the first night at Beir Sheba.”

Friday August 14, 1942 Arrive Haifa

“Had quite a bit of motor trouble, etc, only made about 200 mi all day. Spent the night in Haifa.”

Saturday August 15, 1942 Arrival at Aley, near Beirut and Gunar

“Arrived at HQ about noon in Aley, a small town near Beirut. One of the most popular resort towns in the middle east. Took in several of their night clubs and met Marie Toma, a class mate of Gunar who she knew Gunar was anxious to see me. As leave for Aleppo in the morning, I am looking forward to seeing her.”

Sunday August 16, 1942 Arrival Aleppo

“Drove to 250 miles to Aleppo and found we have a fine 7 room house, ten bath rooms and large porch with servants for the seven of us stationed here. Looking forward to meeting Gunar and enjoying Aleppo.”

Monday August 17, 1942

“Left Aleppo for Djerablus where we are attached to the Royal Gurka Rifles (India troops) who patrol the Turkish border on the Euphrates river.” Note by Roeder: Djrablus on the Euphrates river was the scene, along with Aleppo of massacres of Armenians in World War One.

“(hard to read) and I drive any serious cases to the hospital and the minor ones we treat ourselves. (Meet Dr. Faulstich, MD). We eat with the only British officer and have an entire hut 18 feet by 36 feet for ourselves and our medical room. (pity the poor patients).

“On the way here by 78 miles of dirt road we found a poor Arab who apparently had “fallen among thieves” his head was badly bashed in and naturally as good boy scouts we did our good turn and drove him 15 miles to the hospital in Babs.”

Tuesday August 18, 1942 Lawrence of Arabia?

“Took care of our first patients this morning. Dr. Mason and Dr. Faulstich did a damn fine job of it too. Took a swim in the Euphrates with Lt. Sparks and set foot in Turkey for a few minutes. Stopped at a local Arab tavern and had a few drinks and a meal with one of the son of Sheik (impossible to read) the Sheik who taught Lawrence of Arabia his Arabic and who spent seven years with him during the last war.”^{^[179]}

Wednesday August 19, 1942 Driver for Sheik Hamoudi

“Met the distinguished Sheik Hamoudi (T.E. Lawrence’s companion in the last war) who had 7000 mounted, armed Arabs at his call. Drove him to Aleppo and invited to a feast at his home tomorrow night. The purpose of the Sheikh’s trip to Aleppo was to meet General DeGaulle who is writing visiting here. Spent the night in Aleppo. Note: This might be possible. I found a separate account by a British soldier who also served in the same areas at the same time and attended a meeting of Sheikhs hosted by the Mayor of Aleppo. This meeting included Sheikh Hamoudi, who was a friend of Lawrence of Arabia, and Glubb Pasha. Glubb Pasha of course later set up the modern Jordanian Army.^{^[180]} “

hamoudi

Photo of Sheik Hamoudi with noted war correspondent Lieutenant D. R. McNicoll, Officer-in-Charge of No. 2 Field Unit, Military History and Information Section. Photo courtesy of Australian War memorial

Thursday, Aug 20, 1942 Sheik Hamoudi and Gunar. Dad Returns to USA

“Had coffee with the sheik and later stopped in for a lunch and few drinks at his friend’s house. Plenty of grapes, odd drinks, etc. As could not hurt their feelings, we had to eat and drink their offerings and take our chances at dysentery. Upon arriving at Sheik Hamoudi’s house, he said in true Arab style. “ This is not Hamoudi’s house. This is your house.” His place was covered with carpets and pillows and many pictures of Lawrence and Major Wooler hung on the wall. Here again we received drinks, melon and grapes.”

“Met Gunar in Aleppo, on the street and really surprised her. She said not to visit her at her home but she would drop in to see me at our place in Aleppo.

“This evening was rather interesting. The Lieut was forced to entertain Sheik Nassear with plenty of food and drink to keep him from going to the village and shooting some other Sheik who did him wrong.”

Dad arrived back in the United States on August 20, 1942^{^[181]}

Friday, August 21, 1942

“Visited Sheik Hamoudi and listened to his tales of the old days when he was with Lawrence. As a young boy he went from village to village challenging any who thought they were a better man than him. The results were he killed seven men and was outlawed. Today his word is law in this district. In the evening he came over to dinner and we enjoyed a wonderful Arab meal. He invited me to his place for a meal tomorrow nite. In the book “TE Lawrence” by his friend, Hamoudi has an article in the contents.

Saturday, August 22, 1942 Stephen Galatti Sends Note on Larry Roeder

Faulstich was “in bed all day with a high fever.” Stephen Galatti, Director General of AFS, announced “Larry Roeder has returned after serving as an ambulance driver in the Middle East with the American Field Service. He was repatriated on account of illness due to climatic conditions and is honorably discharged from the American Field Service.”

Sunday August 23, 1942

(hard to read – might be Dave Mason) drove me to Aleppo to the Indian hospital.:

Monday Aug 24, 1942

“ still feeling rotten. May have malaria.”

Tuesday August 25, 1942 Gunar visits in the Hospital

‘Feeling better. Good news and bad today. (hard to read. Four something for the good and Malaria for the bad”) “Now I’m in for a 20 day cure (damn it). Gunar visited me here at the hospital.

Wednesday August 26, 1942 Faulstich takes train to Aleppo Hospital

“Left for Beirut on the hospital train. Said goodbye to Aleppo”

Thursday Aug 27, 1942. Larry Roeder discharged and repatriated

Larry Roeder Discharged from AFS, repatriated on account of illness due to climatic conditions. Honorable Discharge from AFS. According to Dad, this was Yellow Jaundice, which might have started in India with malaria. Dad would suffer as a result of this for some time after the war and barely managed to get through the Foreign Service medical examination a few years later. I recall Dad one evening in the sixties in Paris getting seriously ill from problems with his gall bladder, which derived from his war experiences.^{^[182]} Same day Faulstich arrived at the New Zealand general hospital about noon, feeling ok, according to his diary.

Friday August 28, 1942

“Just loafing. A visit from Dick Johnson.”

Saturday, August 29, 1942

“Another boring day in dock.”

Sunday August 30, 1942

“Church parade 11am.”

Monday August 31, 1942

“Went to the hospital’s movies.”

Tuesday, September 1, 1942

“My fifth day of malaria pills.”

Wednesday, September 2, 1942

“leaving here today. Arrived at convalescence camp. Tents on the seashore, a beautiful white sand beach and smashing meals. We are booked into WO (must mean warrant officers) and eat in the sergeant’s mess. Movies, bar, good liquor, etc.”

Thursday September 3, 1942

“Went into Beirut for the day. Everything dead. It’s not the old place.”

Friday September 4, 1942

“In with the filthy (hard to read) Andy Andrews, Jow Crawley, George Greenfield, Ernie Aldner, Jack Watson. Took a swim on the Beirut beach.”

Saturday, September 5, 1942

“First day on the plasmaquine pills. Read the Virginian.”

Sunday, September 6, 1942

“second day of the plasmaquine pills. Spent the nite with Joe Crawley and George Greenfield in Beirut. Visited some interesting dives and back to camp about midnight.”

Monday, September 7, 1942 US Air Force Arrives in Beirut

“Last day of the pills. The American air force arrived in Beirut and flew like damned fools around camp and Beirut all day, a thrilling sight. Saw “Lost Horizon” at the (hard to read, might be “mission.”

Tuesday, September 8,1942 Maloney Torpedoed on the Way Home

“Said goodbye to the sgts left for Balbeck, our new headquarters. Picked our new headquarters. Picked up an American air force chap and heard that Maloney 18 days in an open boat torpedoed on the way home.”

Wednesday, September 9, 1942

“Ellis Locke, Stockly and I awol in a car on personal business. Received for letters. One from Herb Winterer with $1.40 stamp on it.”

Thursday, September 10, 1942

“Changed grease in transmission differential. Etc. Worked on car all day and saw ‘The Underprep” at the local show here in Balbeck with Dave Mason.

Friday, September 11, 1942

“Took a trip to Pryack (spelling?) and mailed five letters in the HQ of the American air force. Took a patient to the CCS at Zahle.”

Saturday, September 12, 1942

“Visited the historic ruins of the Temple of Balbek built 2000BC. Also visiting somewhere about 500 American air force. Very interesting but I have seen so many ruins. Forts, temples etc that I was slightly bored.”

Sunday, September 13, 1942

“Life is indeed pleasant here in Balbeck. Most days are spent doing absolutely nothing or else you tour the country in an ambulance, no one questions your actions as to where you have been or why you were out joy riding. The Arak is cheap and good, the wine better. It’s just like spending a vacation at some popular resort. Three good meals a day and so what more could anyone want.

“Spent the evening at the Piccadilly where we saw a half cocked woman go wild and threw about a dozen full bottles of beer around the place, reason unknown.”

Monday, September 14, 1942

“Changed three tires, just a damned good mechanic if I say so myself. Loafed around town.”

Tuesday, September 15, 1942

“Two trips to Rjak and met an American airman from St. Louis, also two trips to Zahle and a few drinks at the Piccadilly, all awol. Roeder Note: There is a town called Tyak not far Aleppo which I think might have been a US Air Force strip of some sort at this time.”

Wednesday, September 16, 1942

“Stockly confined to barracks and made messenger for an indefinite period for his awol with me in Ryak.”

Thursday, September 17, 1942

“Left Baalbeck for a post in Damascus. Arrived in Damascus at 1pm. Posted at the transit camp. Saw ‘Two Girls on Broading” at the local movie. In at 1am.”

Friday, September 18, 1942

“Moved to new quarters. Building made of straw and hay. Movie in Damascus.”

Saturday, September 19, 1942

“Took the doctor to the “White House,” which is the army inspected brothel in Damascus. One of the girls had VD. Interesting but disgusting.”

Sunday, September 20, 1942 Gunar starts Medical School

“Drove from Damascus to Ryak and to Balbeck to go on leave in Beirut as Gunar starts med school the 20^th. As all my clothes are in the store room and the QM is Beirut, I’m sunk.”

Monday September 21, 1942 Saw Gunar in Beirut

“Left HQ at Balbeck at 9am and hitch-hiked to Beirut on a leave dated 20-26. Arrived at noon and saw Gunar from 1:30 to 4. Stopping at the Hotel Royal on the sea front. The room overlooks the sea. With bath 4 Syrian pounds per day. Had dinner, drinks at the Lido.”

Tuesday, September 22, 1942 Evening with Gunar

“Woke up sick and stayed in bed all day. What a leave. I hope it’s not a reoccurrence of my malaria. Spent the evening with Gunar”

Wednesday September 23, 1942

“Checked our about 1pm as I decided to spend a few days in bed on the army instead of the hotel at 3c a day. Hitched to Baalbeck about 4pm. Drank a half dozen gin and limes and to bed about 12.”

Thursday Sept 24, 1942. Heard that Larry Roeder arrived safely.

“Feeling a little better. Heard from home that Larry arrived safely. Saw an Indian movie, Indian caste etc. You have to see it to really believe how bad it was.”

Friday Sept 25, 1942

“Saw the doctor and given some salts or the equivalent. Received five letters today, one from Mrs. Meyers and an invitation to be George’s best man. Saw young Tom Edison” at the Roxy.”

Saturday, Sept 26, 1942

“Spent the day in the usual manner, eating and sleeping and a show in the evening.

Sunday, Sept 27, 1942

“Mass at 10am. Slowly going crazy from inactivity.”

Monday, Sept 28, 1942

“Ate slept – read, etc. Intense in activity.”

Tuesday, Sept 29, 1942

“Rumors flying around as to when we are sailing for home. About 2 out of the 100 staying. Damned boring.”

Wednesday, Sept 30, 1942

“Saw the “5 Little Peppers” at the movies^{^[183]}. God, what a picture. Still doing nothing.”

Thursday Oct 1, 1942 Rumors of Leaving for the States

“Leaving for Cairo the 15^th of the month. Hope to be home for the holidays.”

Friday Oct 2, 1942

“Capt King talking to a group leaving stated “your chances are 1 out of 5 of getting sunk but as you already made one safe crossing your chances are 2 out of 5.” Fine logic but I don’t think it is keeping anyone in the service. Sold a souvenir that I bought for $4 for $30. Not bad.”

Saturday Oct 3, 1942

“I suppose I’ll have to loaf around here until the first unit leaves for home. We are really inactive service.”

Sunday Oct 4, 1942

“Mass at Wavell barracks. Ping pong, movies, etc.”

Monday, Oct 5, 1942

“Just another day. Drove to Ryak etc. Life very boring the last few weeks. Two letters from home.”

Tuesday, Oct 6, 1942

“ Received a letter from Urban and one from mother. Supposed to turn in about $100 worth of British equipment. I’ll have to list all of mine as lost due to enemy action. Everyone got drunk last nite. What a mess in the room this morning.”

Wednesday, Oct 7, 1942

“Pay day and everyone had a drinking good time at the new bar and the Piccadilly. A good time was had by all.”

Thursday, Oct 8, 1942

“Left Baalbeck for a post with the South African Negroes, the Bechuanas.^{^[184]}.

“Have one of the blacks for our bat-man (servant). Nice set up. In the tongue of the Bechuana Negro, my name is No 2 Giraffe. I suppose due to my height. (I hope.)”

Friday Oct 9, 1942

“Drove the doc to the CCS in Zahle town then to Ryak, Baalbek, etc. Drove about 150 mi. Had lunch with the American troops in Ryak and inspected a flying fortress. Promised to write to John, George and Joe Forzley 1025 So 4^th Ave., Great falls, Montana the caretaker of the Zahle Club.” This might be Joe Forzley who died in 2003. “Great Falls Tribune: Great Falls businessman Joe Forzley dies Posted January 20, 2003 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
great_falls_white_sox People like Joe Forzley are what make minor-league baseball such a great thing. Forzley was a huge supporter of minor-league baseball in Great Falls, Montana, and had the same season tickets to Pioneer League games for 52 years. He was the president of the Great Falls Baseball Club from 1976-86 and was a director for 32 years. Great Falls is finally renovating Legion Park in a three-year construction process, and it's too bad Forzeley didn't get to see the stadium changes in 2003. “

Saturday Oct 10, 1942

“Left Ras-Baalbeck drove to Zahle, Ryak and then to HQ at Baalbeck. We also had our usual drunken brawl about midnight. Volunteer stump as usual the cause.”

Sunday, Oct 11, 1942

‘Harry Grieb and Lee Kyle arrived to make the trip to Cairo with us on the 15^th. A glasses of wine and to bed. The 1^st nite we slept with out trouble. Norbert and Lorraine anniversary.”

Monday, Oct 12, 1942 Dated Gunar

‘Went into Beirut on leave with John Stockly. Met an old friend Karnig Sarrafian from the American University, also met John’s girl friend. Dated Gunar, and slept part of the evening at Sarafeona.

Tuesday, Oct 13, 1942. Faulstich’s Birthday Said Goodbye to Gunar

“My birthday. 26t today. Said goodbye to Gunar and talked with Sarrafian about importing articles from the States, fountain pens, cameras, etc. Arrived here at Baalbeck about 7pm.

Wednesday Oct 14, 1942 Making preparations to Depart for America

“Made preparations to leave on the first leg of the long voyage home. Celebrated at the New Bar with Marie.

Thursday Oct 15, 1942 Drive Through Syria, Lebanon and Palestine

“Left Baalbeck and Syria for the last time. Stopped at Haifa, Tel Aviv and Gaza. Tel Aviv and Gaza. Saw Palestine for the last time.”

Friday October 16, 1942

“Traveled all night and arrived in Cairo, Egypt at HQ about noon. Saw Tom DePew for the first time since last Feb. Stopping in Cairo till the 20^th at the Abyssinian Barracks.” Note by Roeder. Name is a little hard to read.

Saturday, Oct 17, 1942 Project 19

“Spent the day in Cairo. Too bad I must go home or I could go to Eritrea for the US Army and start to work at 3,000 to 4,000 a year, a wonderful opportunity if I did not think it necessary that I get home due to conditions there. Movies a few bottles of English stout and the sleeping bag.”

Note by Roeder: The army base Faulstich was talking about was interesting. Eritrea, a former Italian colony, was the site of several secret US bases, including Gura, or project 19, which repaired planes and likely was where Faulstich would gone. ^{^[185]} The sea port of Massawa was also a US naval repair facility. I served in Kagnew Station in the US Army in military intelligence hunting terrorists and nuclear threats. Also saw the landing on the Moon from there in Stone House and would meet King Hussein of Jordan via Ham Radio.

In WWII, there was a Project 19 in Eritrea, a super secret Lend-Lease effort to repair planes, far enough away from the Battle to avoid air attack, yet close enough to repair planes. Managed by Douglas Aircraft, “Douglas began immediately to recruit aircraft engineers from commercial firms all over the country. Prospective employees were enticed with promises of well-equipped shops, high salaries, recreational facilities (golf course, tennis courts and swimming pool) and a contract that provided that no one would be employed in active combat zones.” During my stay we had many of the same facilities. It was a plum assignment, though more dangerous due to the rising rebel movement. Kagnew Station in Asmara had been the site of an Italian naval radio station -- Radio Marina -- which was commanded by an Italian rear admiral until Asmara surrendered in April, 1941. ^{^[186]}

Sunday, October 18, 1942 Opportunity for a Job. Thief in the barracks

“Opportunity is knocking. I could fly down to Eritrea and start to work Tuesday at no less than $3000 a year, or get in the army here in some base job and be almost guaranteed a commission in a few months. I suppose I should go home but the temptation is strong. I wonder.

“Between 7 and 8pm tonight some damned Tommie raided our barracks room and stole my German Luger that I carried for six months in the desert at the risk of being shot if captured with it. I could have sold it for $75 a few days ago. G-damn the … Also missing. Camera, Xmas presents and souvenirs I intended to take home. From now on I’ll save nothing of value, damn it.”

James Lynch talks About El Alamein and Eritrea Secret Project

Jim Lynch after he returned to the States talked about his experiences in this article in “The 57 News,” a newspaper published by the Heinz Corporation. In the article, he mentions going to Eritrea, though he didn’t reveal any secrets. On return to the states, he said he wants to be drafted and do service for his country.

mannigfield

Monday Oct 19, 1942

“Talked to Col Clark of the American Legation and was offered at least $300 a month, room and board if I would fly to Eritrea and help with their lens grinding plant there. If conditions at home were a little more favorable I’d jump at the chance. Could easily send $1500 every six months. I’m a fool not to accept but I think it is my duty to go home. Damn it.”

The Field Service gave us a farewell party and dinner at Groppies.

Tuesday Oct 20, 1942

“Said goodbye to the fellows flying to Eritrea. Left Cairo by Lorry for camp in Geneifa to await a boat.^{^[187]} Discovered several more items missing including a purse with over 100 coins from about 15 countries. Been in a bad mood the last couple days. (obvious). DePew is flying home. Sullivan is the only St. Louisian going back with us.”

Wednesday Oct 21, 1942

“If we don’t hear soon when we are sailing, I’m going back to Cairo and leave for Eritrea for the US Army. There are only 19 of us going home. About 10 stayed in the AFS and the rest flew to Eritrea.”

Thursday, Oct 22, 1942

“Met Jim Foster here. He is sailing with us. A swim in the Suez Canal, etc. A boring day.”

Friday, Oct 23, 1942

“Still no word as to when we are to sail. Thought we would be on our way by now.”

Sat, Oct 24, 1942

“Sitting around bitching about the British. When do we sail?”

Sun, Oct 25, 1942

“Mass with Sullivan. If I were at home I’d be out duck hunting. Still thinking about going to Cairo and accept the proposition in Eritrea. Crashed the local movie. Sully, Charlie Stock, etc.

Mon, Oct 26, 1942

“Teeth cleaned. Bombers flying overhead all day and nite. Fighting again started in desert on a big scale.”

Tue, Oct 27, 1942

‘Still no news as to sailing. Can’t make up my mind as to going to Eritrea. $300 a month sounds good.”

Wed, Oct 28, 1942

“Hitched-hiked to Cairo. Took in a show. “The man who came to dinner.” Dinner at the St. James. Spent the evening at Dolls and food, good wine, plenty to drink. We also found out the Cairo is not one of the world’s most evil cities as it is sometimes called. Stock, Sullivan and I stayed at the New Zealand club. Met Creedington. He is in the army.”

Thurs Oct 29, 1942

“Hitched hiked back to Camp 100 miles. Still no news. Met Jim Foster. He is going to Eritrea. With the push started again in the desert, Cairo seems strangely empty. Many of the troops on leave have been called back to the desert, although one can still see nearly every race represented in nearly every type of military uniform. Foreign Legion, Free French, Free Greeks, Poles, Czechs, Basutos, Bechuanas, Egyptian, Aussie, new Zealand, Maori, Indian, Gurkas, Tommies and Americans, etc.

Fri Oct 30, 1942 Find Your Own Way Home!

“News came that we are now on our own. Each one of us to get back any way we can. Sullivan and I went to Suez to try and work our way home. Hitch hiked both ways. Talked to the American Consulate. Not much hope. There are now 15 of us waiting. Looks as if we will spend Xmas on board ship or still here in Geneifa waiting. Damn them. We just drew for the one to take the first boat we can get. I got no 3. Sullivan no 10. Stuckley 14. Should the Dutch boat with the 10 empty berths sail, Sully and I will go. Damned lucky.”

Sat Oct 31, 1942

“No further news on the sailing. Letter from Rollin Jo Point. Should said any day I hope.”

Sunday Nov 1, 1942

“Looks as though 8 of us will leave on the Dutch ship within a few days. I’ll sure be sorry to leave Sullivan, he was a regular guy.”

Monday, Nov 2, 1942 One Year Anniversary

“One year ago today, Tom, Larry Roeder and I left St. Louis. It seem as though I’m the only on left.”

Tuesday, Nov 3, 1942

“Hitchhiked to Suez and Port Tewfik to see American Consul. Put in an application for a job to work our way home. Minimum pay $180 a month. Something has to break soon.”

Wednesday Nov 4, 1942

“Palmer, Sullivan and I had applications for working our way home. Today word came through that there are two openings as deck hand and wiper. Sully, Palmer and I went aboard. Sully and Palmer for the jobs as their names were ahead of mine $187.50 a month. I spent the nite aboard ship.”

Thursday, Nov 5, 1942

“Said goodbye to Sully and Palmer. They should sail today, the lucky devils. On the “Prospector.” Hung around the Consulate in hopes of meeting a skipper will take me on.”

Friday, Nov 6, 1942

“Hitchhiked to Suez. Had an offer from a skipper of a tanker $250 a month for three months. Without a release I could not leave. Hitchhiked 100 miles to Cairo. Had quite a row with Capt Heinrich for a release. Spent the nite at the New Zealand Club.”

This was the day that enlistments contracts for ME1 were up.[188]

Sat, Nov 7, 1942 Faulstich Has Hitchhiked over 800 miles in ten days

“Hitchhiked from Cairo to Suez and then to Camp in Geneifa. No openings on any vessel. Hitchhiked more than 800 miles in the last 10 days trying to arrange passage.” Note: Everything I’ve seen on the internet seems to indicate that Geneifa was a sprawling camps of tents, sort of a holding area for soldiers on their way to somewhere with food that insured you would not want to stay.

Sun Nov 8, 1942

“Still writing.”

Monday Nov 9, 1942

“Hitchhiked again to Suez. Spoke to an American skipper who may hire me tomorrows as a crew member aboard his ship.”

Tuesday Nov 10, 1942

“Signed on the dotted line today. I am now a wiper, a member of the crew of an American Freighter $187.50 and board per month. Not a bad deal. Stayed at a hotel in Port Tewfik at the company’s expense. Go on Board tomorrow.”

Wednesday Nov 11, 1942 Boarded USS Benjamin Contee

Note by Roeder: The vessel Faulstich found was a Liberty Ship, launched 15 June, 1942, so a new vessel. Eventually it would be torpedoed in1943 and sunk as a breakwater off Normandy 1944 where it was abandoned^{^[189]}

contee

Picture taken of Contee off Utah Beach, Normandy^{^[190]}

“Boarded the USS Benjamin Contee about noon. Crew seem to be a swell bunch. Salary $187.50 per month, time and ½ for overtime and Sat and Sunday off. Hours 8 to 5pm. One hours for lunch and time for coffee in morning and afternoon. Meals as I’ve never seen before. Saying they are excellent is an understatement. The in box is open all day and nite and cold cuts and pastry can be had at any time. I4 navy men on board as the gun crew.”

Thursday Nov 12, 1942

“First day of work. Worked in the fire box, stripped to the waist dirty as hell and worked the same. My work is confined in the Engine room where the temperature at times reaches 140 degrees. At 10am we get 15 minutes for coffee and again at 3pm the same. Usually we quit about 4pm.

“The meals are unbelievable good. Today’s menu – Breakfast. Pineapple Juice, eggs, bacon, grits, French toast, dry cereal, butter, jam, bread, coffee. Dinner, soup, chicken, beef, noodles, string beans, potatoes, banana pie. Supper. Steak, sausage, corn, potatoes, beets, butter-beans, apricots, cake, ice tea, etc. The ice box is open to all, 24 hours a day.”

Friday Nov 13, 1942

“Another day in the engine room. Looks as though we won’t be sailing for about a week.”

Saturday, Nov 14, 1942

“Saturday afternoon off. Fresh linen every week and all towels and soap, matches etc. furnished. All ports where we drop anchor in foreign countries the government pays all merchant seamen a bonus, usually from $50 to $100.

“Queen Elizabeth docked here yesterday.”

Sunday Nov 15, 1942

“Several of the crew have returned broke and robbed from shore leave in Suez. One returned in a blanket. They even stole his pants. I can’t help but think of the duck shooting back home, the season is right at its height. Hmm. I’d like to spend the Sunday on the (hard to read looks like quiver) river. Oh! Happy days.”

Monday Nov 16, 1942

“Another of the crew attacked while on leave. Almost three more day work taking off cargo and then we sail.”

Tuesday Nov 17, 1942

“Still in harbor and may be for another week as we are taking on cargo for Cape Town. Went fishing off of a barge and caught quite a few.”

Wednesday Nov 18, 1942

“Blew tubes in Engine Room. Dirty job. Red was attacked in Cairo and several other boys while on shore leave in Suez. The wogs seems to prefer trying to roll seamen.”

Thursday, Nov 19, 1942

“Still waiting for cargo for Cape Town. I thought we would be gone by now.”

Friday, Nov 20, 1942

“Cargo going on consists of old tanks and empty shell boxes going to Durban, South Africa. Should be lifting anchor any time now.”

Saturday, Nov 21, 1942

“John W. Weaver, 310 Peacetree Ave., Knoxville, Tenn.

Loading Italian ammunition aboard.”

Sunday Nov 22, 1942

“Packing the last bit of cargo on and preparing to sail at 9am tomorrow. Three South African passengers to go to Durban or Cape Town. Half the crew came back drunk about 10pm and a big fight issued. There is no doubt, the merchant marine comprises a tough bunch, most all of them old seamen who have knocked about the world all of their lives.”

Monday Nov 23, 1942 Voyage Home begins.

“After almost ten months in the Middle East and exactly one year and 21 days since leaving home we finally got underway. Sailed from Suez at 9am on board the liberty ship “Benjamin Contee,” destination unknown but more than likely its heading for the States (I hope). Each member of the crew (including me) is issued a life preserver with a knife and flash lite and whistle attached. Our chances, according to statistics, are 4 of 5 that we are not torpedoed. Ships speed is about 11 knots and is armed with a five inch gun aft and a 3in gun forward also 3, 20mm anti aircraft guns and 2 machine guns manned by 14 US navy men who are experiencing their first trip to sea. Each of the crew receive battle stations, mine is handling ammunition for the 5 inch gun.

“After coming over safely and working a year over here, I’ll be disappointed (that’s an understatement) if we don’t make it.”

Tuesday Nov 24, 1942

“Moved from the hospital to my permanent quarters. Everything shipshape and we now about 300 miles closer to the good ole USA.”

Wednesday Nov 25, 1942

“The further south we get the hotter it is getting. Working in the engine room was like working in a furnace. The perspiration ran off like water and I was ringing wet inside of 10 minutes. Ever one takes salt tablets. Looks like I’ll be in for three months of hard hat work.”

Thursday, Nov 26, 1942

“Thanksgiving Day celebrated with two huge meals and all the mince meat and pumpkin pie you wanted all day. No work. Weather turning very hot and the engine room like a furnace.”

Friday, Nov 27, 1942

“Engine broke down, had to work over time. Averaging about 11 ½ knots. Should be in Aden sometime tomorrow.”

Saturday, Nov 28, 1942

“Should anchor tomorrow at Aden to take on oil and water.”

Sunday, Nov 29, 1942 Reached Aden

(Just about 9 months ago we stopped here on the way to Egypt. I should receive $125 bonus for entering this port from the US government as a merchant seaman.”

Monday, Nov 30, 1942 Left Aden

“Left Aden, Arabia at 4pm yesterday. Still in the Gulf of Aden today, doing about 11 knots.”

Tues, Dec 1, 1942 Entered Indian Ocean

“Entered the Indian ocean about 9am. The ships beginning to roll, worse than any of the other coming over.”

Wednesday Dec 2, 1942

:”Weather turning very hot. The railings etc in the engine room are so hot its necessary to wear gloves to protect your hands. The temperature in the engine room range from about 112 degrees at the coolest spot (next to the ventilator) to about 140 degrees.”

Thursday Dec 3, 1942

“The heat’s terrific. Engine room like a furnace. Taking salt tablets by the dozen. Get up at midnight to blow the tubes which means $1.80 overtime.”

Friday Dec 4, 1942

“Just another hot working day. Averaging about 11 ½ knots.”

Saturday, Dec 5, 1942

“Practice on the 20 mm anti-aircraft guns and 30 cal machine gun. Sea calm, weather hot.”

Sunday, Dec 6, 1942

“Sailing on and on…”

Monday, Dec 7, 1942

“One year ago today, Pearl Harbor was bombed.”

Tuesday, Dec 8, 1942

“Still sailing, averaging about 12 knots.”

Wednesday, Dec 9, 1942

‘Rather rough today with the sea coming over the bulwarks at times. Not making much time and the ship tossing around quite a bit.”

Thursday, Dec 10, 1942

“Very rough. Pots and pans were heard flying all last night.”

Friday, Dec 11, 1942

“Due to the rough weather we lost seven h ours traveling time yesterday. Today is one month since starting to work on the SS Benjamin Contee. Salary $187.50. Overtime $25. Probably port bonus. $125.00. $337.50 saved the first month on board.”

Saturday, Dec 12, 1942 Just miss a Mine!

“At 2pm the shipped missed a mine almost 10 yards from the starboard side. The gun crew fired a few rounds from the 20 mm but failed to hit and explode it.”

Sunday, Dec 13, 1942

‘Very rough. Pots and pans from the kitchen falling, awakening me several times during the night. At times it seemed as though I was sleeping on my head and then standing upright. No one is sea-sick.”

Monday, Dec 14, 1942 Coming up to Submarine Hunting Area

“Now in a very dangerous position as regards to submarineing. Our chances of making the States in a slow ship like this one about 50-50 according to reports.”

Tuesday, Dec 15, 1942

“All the crew are quite cautious as get in the danger zone around Cape Town. Many of them carry their life jackets with them at all times and the conversation is mainly on whether we will make it.”

Wednesday, Dec 16, 1942 Reach Capetown

“Slept with my clothes on last night. Capetown at 4pm. Should go into the docks tomorrow. We traveled 5,800 miles from Suez in 24 days. Anxious to see a newspaper and read up on the war news.”

Thursday, Dec 17, 1942

‘Still anchored out in harbor waiting for the word to dock.”

Friday, Dec 18, 1942 Docked at Cape Town

“Pulled up to the docks this am. Went ashore at 5pm. Sent a cable to Mother and Winters for Xmas greetings. A movie a few drinks., etc.”

Saturday, Dec 19, 1942

“Met Whitey and the 3^rd engineer, had a few bottles of stout at Del Monicos and saw a show.”

Sunday, Dec 20, 1942 Explored Dutch Submarine

“Went through a Dutch submarine. Very interesting but rather crowded for comfort. Sent an airmail to George Meyer explaining my disappointment at the possibility of missing the wedding.”

Monday, Dec 21, 1942

“Worked on Engine until 3pm. Evening in town with Slim and Conis. A bit of an argument with Rollie.”

Tuesday, Dec 22, 1942

“Half day off. All set to sail in the morning.”

Wednesday, Dec 23, 1942 Departure from Capetown in Empty Ship

“After one week in Cape Town we pulled away from the docks at 7am. Going back empty, so if we are hit by torpedo likely to go clean through.”

Thursday, Dec 24, 1942

“We are heading for Paramaribo,^{^[191]} South America to take on a cargo of Boxide. Christmas Eve. This evening my thoughts are naturally at home. This is the second Xmas I’ve spent at sea and I must say it isn’t a very pleasant experience.”

Friday Dec 25, 1942

“Christmas Day. Yes, you can tell it is Xmas, not because everyone is happy and jovial but quite the contrary. Everyone looks sad and thoughtful. The Xmas spirit manifests itself in this way on all ships at sea I imagine. Yes, Xmas is a sad occasion for all who are away from home. I hope to spend my next Xmas in a different manner if possible. The cooks did everything possible and prepared a Xmas dinner with the greatest variety of foods imaginable.”

Saturday, Dec 26, 1942

“Weather very cool the last two weeks. Making good time, wind and currents in our favor.”

Sunday, Dec 27, 1942

“Slept most of the day. Everything running smoothly.”

Monday, Dec 28, 1942

“Spent most of the evening talking to pop who spent nearly all his life in various prisons. His last stretch was 12 ½ years. His life would enough material for a dozen books. Prison breaks, holdups, sound story work etc. A very interesting evening.”

Tuesday, Dec 29, 1942

‘Just another day. Weather much warmer. Nearing the Equator.”

Wednesday, Dec 30, 1942

“At noon today we passed the 2100 mark, miles from Cape Town.”

Thursday, Dec 31, 1942

“A poor “New Year’s Eve,” Not even on drink. Nothing to break the monotony of the long voyage hone.”

Friday, January 1, 1943

“Not a very pleasant way to begin the New Year. As we are presently on the Equator, the crew initiated the radio operator who dodged the citation on the way over. At noon today we traveled 2,740 miles since leaving Cape Town.”

Saturday, January 2, 1943

“Traveling parallel with the equator directly west.”

Sunday, January 3, 1943

‘We are now about 3350 miles from Cape Town and about 1500 from our next port Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana, South America.”

Monday, January 4, 1943

“Made 320 miles today, a new record.”

Tuesday, Jan 5, 1943

“Supposed to be within 100 miles from the coastline of South America. A US patrol plane flew over and circled several times this afternoon.”

Wednesday, Jan 6, 1943 Warning. Followed by Submarine

“Plane flew over about 11pm and dropped a flare, warning us of a submarine following us.”

Thursday, Jan 7, 1943

“Weather very warm. Almost 40 miles off the coast. Should be in Saturday. Made 339 miles.”

Friday, Jan 8, 1943

“SOS came over the wireless about 8pm. A ship torpedoed 70 miles from us. We continued on our way.”

Saturday, Jan 9, 1943 Sub now 7 miles Astern

“Submarine reported 7 miles astern of us. We are due in Paramaribo at dawn tomorrow.”

Sunday, Jan 10, 1943 Reach Paramaribo

“Lost all day. Arrived and anchored outside of Paramaribo about 7pm”

Monday, Jan 11, 1943

“Anchored off New Amsterdam, Dutch Guinea at 8am. Proceeded up river to Paramaribo, arrived at about 11am. Seven ships were sunk off the coast here Saturday night when we were lost in the same vicinity. Started on the 40 mile trip up the river at 4pm. The country is typically tropical.”

Tuesday, Jan 12, 1943

“Loaded Boxide most of the day. Thick jungle line both shores of the river and all types of game are supposed to be in the vicinity.”

Wednesday, Jan 13, 1943 Leave Paramaribo. Take Survivors on board.

“Out of the 12 ships that left here in the last three days, eleven were torpedoed and sunk. This morning we took on the survivors of one of the sunken ships. The voyage from here, Paramaribo to Trinidad, I supposed to be the most dangerous 600 miles anywhere. It is now 8:30pm and we are heading out of the river into the open sea. Good Luck.”

Thursday, Jan 14, 1943

“Saw a couple of empty life boats. Everyone on edge and wearing life jackets most of the time.

Friday, Jan 15, 1943 Reach Port of Spain, Trinidad

“Port of Spain, Trinidad. Anchored here about noon. We are told we may be here 3 days or 3 weeks awaiting a convoy.”

Sat, Jan 16, 1943

“Left Trinidad and traveled 20 miles to a small town to take on oil and water.”

Sun, Jan 17, 1943

“Back to Port of Spain, Trinidad. Spent the afternoon and evening sight seeing in Port of Spain. Rums seems to be the national drink.”

Mon, Jan 18, 1943

“Spent the evening in town with the 3^rd engineer. Saw ‘the Spoilers” at the USO movie.”

Tue, Jan 19, 1943

“To the Canadian docks to “top off” with Boxide.

Wed, Jan 20, 1943

“Started loading, a very dirty job. Boxide dust everywhere.”

Thur, Jan 21, 1943

“Spent the day in town. Saw “My sister Eileen” at the movies.

Friday, Jan 22, 1943

“On the way back from town, three men fell overboard from the “liberty” launch. Quite a row.

Sat, Jan 23, 1943

“No shore leave allowed today as we plan to leave tomorrow in a north-bound convoy.”

Sun, Jan 24, 1943 Left Trinidad in 36 Ship Convoy

“At 06:30 am we pulled anchor and left Trinidad in a convoy of about 36 ships convoyed by about 3 destroyers. Mobile Alabama should be our next port. I hope.”

Mon, Jan 25, 1943

“Not making much time. The convoy must be averaging about 6 knots.”

Tue, Jan 26, 1943

“Depth charges dropped about a mile off the port side. Results unknown.”

Wed, Jan 27, 1943 Picked up more survivors

“Another group of ships joined our convoy making a total of 56 ships in all. Picked up a life boat filled with survivors of a torpedoed ship about noon today.”

Thurs Jan 28, 1943

“Climbed to the “crows nest”. Quite a scene to see 56 ships in convoy. Should be in Cuba tomorrow.”

Fri, Jan 29, 1943 Reached Cuba

“Dropped anchor at Bay, Cuba at noon today.” Note by Roeder: Not clear what Bay he is talking about.

Sat, Jan 30, 1943

“In Port all day. No news as to when we pull anchor.”

Sun, Jan 31, 1943

“Just another day in port. No news.”

Monday, Feb 1, 1943

“Fourth day in Cuba and no news as to when we are sailing on.”

Tuesday, Feb 2, 1943

“Convoy of Liberty ships came in today.”

Wed, Feb 3, 1943 Depart Cuba

“Oh! Happy day! We finally pulled anchor and got started on our final lap, homeward bound. Should be in the States in about 5 days.”

Thur Feb 4, 1943

“Our convoy consists of about 12 freighters and tankers with about three small escort vessels. Averaging about 8 ½ knots.”

Fri Feb 5, 1943

‘Sailing along the southern coast of Cuba. I should be in Mobile about Monday or Tuesday.”

Sat Feb 6, 1943 Entered Gulf of Mexico

“Entered the Gulf of Mexico about noon.”

Sun Feb 7, 1943 Depart Convoy Alone at Full Speed

“Heavy seas and winds. Water in cabins and passage ways. Life lines strung along deck.” At 9pm we left the convoy and started full speed ahead by ourselves. That’s the bet news I could possibly think of. We should be home in a couple of days now.”

Mon Feb 8, 1943

“With home just around the corner, this is not a blue Monday. Everyone in a fine humor.”

Tue Feb 9, 1943 Reached Mobile, Alabama at 10pm.

“Should be in Mobile sometimes this afternoon. What a thrill it will be to see the good ole USA after an absence of 16 months. Docked in Mobile about 10pm.

Wed Feb 10, 1943 End of Trip. Customs and Red Tape Begins

“Set foot back in the good ole USA for the first time in 16 months. Customs inspection. Bonus and salary disputes, red tape. May not be able to leave for a couple days.”

afsWWI

Bibliography

LWR, Jr is Larry Winter Roeder, Jr., MS, the author

Books and Scholarly Collections

Ø The History of American Field Service, 1920-1955 by George Rock, Platen Press, NY, 1956.

Ø Ambulance in Africa by Evan Thomas, Appleton, NY 1943

Ø Passport to Manhood, by Joseph Desloge, Jr., private printing, isbn 09616369-1-2 (Joe, Jr’s father got Dad into the AFS)

Ø LANEY-HOEING FAMILY PAPERS, Story of Lt Col Frederick Hoeing, Me1 http://www.library.rochester.edu/index.cfm?page=952. University of Rochester, Date range: 1842-1972, Location: D.104, Size: 9 boxes

Ø A Connecticut Yankee in the 8^th Gurkha Rifles: A Burma Memoir by Scott Gilmore, 1995, Brassey

Ø Project 19 - A Mission Most Secret, By John W. Swancara, Honoribus Press P.O. Box 4872 Spartanburg, SC 29305 ISBN 1-885354-07-X

Ø Presbyterian Historical Society , Philadelphia, PA, United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. Commission on Ecumenical Mission and Relations. Secretaries' Files: Syria Mission, 1894-1972 (bulk: 1911-1968)

Ø Roeder Archives: A library and museum collection on the related Roeder, Winter, McCrystal, McNeely, Caldwell, Busbey clans. 26128 Talamore Drive, Suite 201, South Riding, Virginia 20152.

Photographic Collections

Ø Personal Photos of Larry Winter Roeder, Roeder Archives.

Ø Personal collection of Arthur Shellenberg

Ø Personal Photos of Arthur Faulstich, transferred to Roeder Archives.

Ø Australian War Memorial Collections Database

Photos

Ø Picture of Queen’s Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa from post card 8/12/1962 sold on EBAY

Ø Pictures of Acre, Palestine. http://www.palestineremembered.com/Acre/Acre/MorePicture.html

Letters and Recollections

Ø A Line A Day: Five Year Diary Personal Handwritten Diary of Arthur Faulstich covering his AFS service from Nov 2, 1941 to February 10^th, 1943. (unpublished and not known to me until March, 2007 when LWR, Jr found Faulstich’s widow in St. Louis).

Ø Conversation between LWR, Jr. and James B. Watson, ME1, December 19, 2007

Ø Letter to LWR, Jr. November 22, 1993 from Ramsey Campbell, an AFS driver

Ø Letter to LWR, Jr, Dec 17, 1984 about the Talma from Imperial War Museum, Reference PF/LB/M1764/84.

Ø Letter to LWR, Jr. from Manning Field11/26/1993

Ø Letter to LWR, Jr. from Mort Belshaw, November 28, 1993

Ø Oral recollections to LWR, Jr. by LWR

Ø Recollections of LWR, Jr.

Ø List (typewritten) of Members of ME1 with home addresses. Marked simple ME Unit one.

Ø Email May 25, 2007, Eleanora Golobic, Archivist, AFS Intercultural Programs regarding yellow ribbons reported by Faulstich.

Newspaper Accounts

St. Louis Aid for British, “Three Saint Louisians going to Front in Africa,” St. Louis Post Dispatch

Official Records of the American Field Service

Ø Enlistment papers for Larry Winter Roeder, AFS., Oct 31, 1941

Ø Honorable Discharge Papers for Larry Winter Roeder, AFS, 8/27/1942

Ø Medical Records of Larry Winter Roeder, AFS.

Ø Roster of American Field Service Volunteers, 1939-43, April 1, 1943, The History of the American Field Service.

Ø AFS Volunteer Drivers, World War II, AFS Archives, October,1991.

Certificates, Ribbons, Medals and Plaques

Ø Certificate, Ancient Order of the Deep

Ø "Under the provisions of War Department Cable WARX 29101, 30 January 1945, the European-African-Middle Eastern campaign ribbon is awarded, for outstanding and conspicuous service with the armed forces under difficult and hazardous combat conditions."

Ship Records

Ø SS Talma: General Register and Record Office of Shipping and Seamen, Llantrisant Road, Llandaff, Cardiff, CF5 2YS; British India Steam navigation Co., Ltd., 122 Leadenhall Street, London EC3, (regarding the Talma), The Shipping Master, Government Shipping Office, Nou Bhavan, 10 Nicol Road, Ballard est., Bombay 1, India (regarding the Talma). See also http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/lines/bisn.html

Ø SS West Point: I found a wide variety of websites on the West Point, which are mentioned here. The user needs to be aware that such sites come and go. http://www.flare.net/users/e9ee52a/WestPointchristmas_dinner.htm; http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/22023.htm; http://www.maritimematters.com/american-star-vin.html; This was a ship regularly used as a troop carrier, and is mentioned in "My two periods of Eastern Service," http://www.mckennas.demon.co.uk/part2.htm. The vessel was built in 1923 and scrapped in 1949 in the UK.

Appendix Faulstich Bio date from Diary

Passport Number 714414.

Blue Files L-9,798668, L-9,7989669

C 2505210 through 19

Davy Jones $5.15 struck through

Conner 4 Rupees struck through

Murphy 2 Rupee struck through

Grief 1 rupee, 2 annas struck through

Ogle .50 struck through

Overtime on board SS Benjamin Contee

Thus Nov 11 4 hours (in the firebox) 8-12

3 UN – Nov 14 – 1 hour

Wed Nov 18 35 hours

Sun Nov 22 1 hour

Fri Nov 27, I hour

Cadet taking in water 8 ½ hours Total 22 ½ hours

Dec 3 blow takes at midnight 2 hours

Sun Dec 6 sanitary work 1 hour

Sun Midnight Blow takes 2 hours

Wed Dec 9 blow takes Midnight 2 hours

Sun Dec 13 blow takes midnight 2 hours

Mon Dec 1`4 above fire box (disputed) one hour

Tue Dec 15 above fire box (disputed) 1 hour

Sat afternoon Dec 19 2 ½ hours

Sun Dec 30 Sanitary work 1 hour

Sat Jan 16 1 hours taking on oil

Sun Jan 24 1 hour blowing tubes

Wed Jan 27 blow tanks

Sun Jan 31 Sanitary work

Ship’s slop chest

2 gloves, 1 cap, 1 overall, 1 shirt, 1 tooth paste, 1 pair Albert trousers

309 Charter Street, Seafarers international Union, New Orleans

Eddie Bamburger, oiler, 814 No Ramport, New Orleans

SMO Deport Corner of St Joseph and Brigand (hard to read)

SIN 55 South Comeplian Ave., Mobile Ala

458 William Street, Carl Zikeli (Zike) (Cadet) Mobile, Ala

Herbert Cones 1^st Class seaman (armed guard), 9 south main street, San Angelo, Texas

Frank Green, 22 Clarmont Ave., Montclair, NJ (oiler)

Dave mason 26 Summet Ave. Larchmont, NY

Edit Dates for Document

Nov 24, 2006 (created), March 17, 2007, 6/17/2007, 11/18/2007, Sunday, December 16, 2007, December 19, 2007, 12/20/2007, February 1, 2008

^{^[1]} Dad’s personal eagle from the War. He brought his jacket home as well; but I wore it out as a young boy.

[3] Dad’s Shoulder Patch from the War. I wore out his jacket.

^{^[4]} Enlistment Papers, American Field Service

^{^[5]} Recollections of Larry Winter Roeder. The Deloge family of course is well known to the American Field Service. Joe Deloge, Sr. was an Ambulance Driver with the French Army and awarded the Croix de Guerre and his son was in the AFS

[6] Letter to Larry Roeder from Manning Field, Nov 26, 1993.

^{^[8]} New Zealand Medical Services in Middle East and Italy, Military Records of Victoria University of Wellington

^{^[9]} When I was about to graduate from High School, Dad had it mind that I enlist in the Navy at their recruitment station in London; but instead I waited a year of college and went into the Army.

^{^[10]} Roster of American Field Service Volunteers, 1939-43, April 1, 1943.

[13] Email Wednesday, December 12, 2007 to Larry Roeder, jr. from Eleanora Golobic. AFS Archives. She also pointed out when I asked if Dad would qualify, “Unfortunately, he's among the 50% which weren't recognized because he served in North Africa with the British nowhere near the American forces. Eleanora Golobic Archivist and Alumni Relations Manager AFS Intercultural Programs, Inc.. FYI: Eleanora is a fantastic lady, full of information on the drivers, a true friend to the movement.

^{^[14]} Enlistment papers for AFS., Oct 31, 1941.

[15] I am currently very close to the children.

[16] Email to Larry Roeder, Jr., Wednesday, December 12, 2007 by Eleanora Golobic, AFS Archives.

^{^[17]} The Automat restaurants began in New York around 1900 and were a German invention. Customers ate cafeteria style, placing coins in a machine to get food. Could be macaroni and cheese, coffee, etc, all served on real plates with real forks and knives. Comfortable chairs were used and tables. The food was behind little glass windows that separated the kitchen from the customers. A scene from an automat is in North by NW with Cary Grant.

^{^[18]} As of 2007, the Pennsylvania Hotel is still in NY, though a bit run down.

^{^[20]} US Passport 714419 for Larry Winter Roeder

^{^[21]} Letter to Larry Roeder, Jr. from Mort Belshaw, November 28, 1993

^{^[22]} Larry Ball was from Staten Island, NY according to Roster of Volunteers.

[24] Phone call from Betsy Connor Bowen loonalone@roadrunner.com. Has a sister named Lucey Bowen February 1, 2008, lucey.bowen@gmail.com

^{^[26]} Robert Vincent Sullivan was from Kansas City, MO. Roster of Volunteers

^{^[27]} Certificate, Ancient Order of the Deep, Larry Roeder

^{^[28]} http://www.flare.net/users/e9ee52a/WestPointchristmas_dinner.htm

^{^[29]} http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/22023.htm

^{^[30]} http://www.maritimematters.com/american-star-vin.html

^{^[33]} Art object purchased by Larry Roeder in Bombay, 1941

^{^[36]} Letter to Larry from Mort Belshaw to Larry Roeder, Jr. November 28, 1993

^{^[39]} Picture of Queen’s Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa from post card 8/12/1962 sold on EBAY

^{^[41]} According to: DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER, 805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060. returning to Singapore on 10 December 1941, the ship was sunk by torpedoes and aerial attack.

^{^[47]} Within 24 hours of arrival in Bombay, “we had been herded into third class railway carriage, in company with a few hundred Tommies who had likewise been detached from the convoy..” pg 24-25, Ambulance in Africa by Evan Thomas, 1943, Appleton Century. Evan Thomas would eventually become a Lt in the Field Service and despite suffering from malaria join the US Naval Reserve, which is where he was when his book was published.

^{^[48]} “India” in Ambulance in Africa by Evan Thomas, , pg 32 Appleton, NY 1943

^{^[50]} Roster of Volunteers, James McDougal Foster, ME1, University of Minnesota, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

^{^[51]} Roster of Volunteers, Harry Theodore Grieb, Me1, University of Pennsylvania, Germantown, PA.

^{^[52]} Roster of Volunteers, Frederick Walbridge Hoeing, Lt. Colonel, ME1, Amherst, Harvard, Rochester, NY. Hoeing was an interesting personality, as is seen by reading his family web site on the internet. LANEY-HOEING FAMILY PAPERS, http://www.library.rochester.edu/index.cfm?page=952

“Frederick, born on November 7, 1907. He received an A.B. from Amherst College in 1929, an M.A. from Harvard University in 1930, and an honorary M.A. from Amherst in 1949. In 1941, as a member of the British American Ambulance Corps, Hoeing left the United States on the Egyptian ship Zam Zam with a group of other drivers and ambulances bound for Lake Chad in French Equatorial Africa. On April 17, however, the Zam Zam was sunk by the Germans and Hoeing became a prisoner of war until his release in July. Hoeing then worked with the American Field Service during World War II. He was an instructor of History at the University of Rochester in 1946. Later that year he became a field representative of the New York State Commission Against Discrimination, a post he held until 1948. He next was an administrator for the Educational Practices Act of the New York State Education Department from 1948 to 1951. From 1951 to 1955 he was an assistant to the president of Hofstra College. In 1955 he left that post to work for the American Field Service again. He helped to arrange international teenage student exchanges. He also was a contributor to the Journal of Modern History. Frederick Hoeing died on August 25, 1962. The collection includes a scrapbook and a photograph album of Hoeing's, as well as correspondence, affidavits and a memoir of the Zam Zam incident.”

^{^[53]} Roster of Volunteers, Charles Shoneman, ME1, Temple, NY, NY. Charles would later join the US Army and earn a Bronze Star.

^{^[54]} Private collection of Larry Winter Roeder.

^{^[55]} Roster of Volunteers, Croswell Bowen, ME1, NY, NY. Croswell was a great photographer who took some of the most interesting pictures of the war – often found on the Internet. See especially http://www.ourstory.info/

^{^[56]} These people do not appear on the Roster of Volunteers so I guess they really were the kids of the Major. Interesting, allowed to be in a war zone.

^{^[57]} This is probably Leland Clark Kyle, ME1, Wesleyan, Belleville, NJ

^{^[58]} ME1, Yale, NY, NY, Roster of Volunteers. I think he died in 1971.

^{^[59]} This is Scott Gilmore, ME1, Greenwich, Conn., Roster of Volunteers. Scott went on to write A Connecticut Yankee in the 8^th Gurkha Rifles, A Burma Memoir. A review on the internet said that volunteered to join the British Army after their one year contract tour with the AFS had ended.

Gilmore went on to fight the Japanese in Burma with the 8th Gurkha Rifles. The author faithfully recorded his impressions of every aspect of military life and especially Great Britain's loyal Gurkha soldiers. The result is an excellent World War II memoir.

^{^[61]} Keith Robbins is from Tucson, Arizona (Unit One)

^{^[62]} Letter to Larry Roeder, Jr. November 22, 1993 from Ramsey Campbell

^{^[63]} This was a fascinating reference. I’ve seen the same thing in the dead city of Cairo, Egypt. The city is huge, yet there are not nearly enough jobs for the fast growing population. People go to “doctors” to have eyes blinded or made cloudy, arms and legs broken or even cut off in order to compete for the money as professional beggars. Note by Larry W. Roeder, Jr.

^{^[65]} ME1 Bridgeport, Conn. Roster of Volunteers

^{^[66]} Paul Michael McKenna, IB39, Crestmont, New York

^{^[67]} David Clinton Jones, ME, 37, CM 99, Princeton, Elizabeth, NJ. Roster of Volunteers.

^{^[68]} Belshaw was eventually taken prisoner and treated as a POW by the Africa Corps in June, 1942 when his position was overrun during the retreat from Tobruk. Letter to Larry from Mort Belshaw, November 28, 1993. Stephen Galati made the following point about this “On July 25 came news of the fatal wounding of William Keith McLarty and we must now add his name to those of George Tichenor and Tom Esten, volunteers who have given their lives to save others. Since the siege of Bir Hacheim, American Field Service volunteers have been everywhere in the Battle of the Desert. Twenty-one left Bir Hacheim at the last moment with the Fighting French rear guard. Their leader, Alan Stuyvesant, was taken prisoner. Stanley Kulak and Alexander McElwain are still missing. Arthur Stratton, injured by a shell was able to get away. At Tobruk others of our men evacuated the wounded just before the fall, and now in these last weeks in the desert with New Zealanders, Imperials and Indian troops, our ambulances have worked back and forth through mine fields, dive bombings and shells, picking up men just wounded and evacuating dressing stations. Again in this section we have men missing, Mortimer Belshaw, Lawrence Sanders and William Mitchell. Peter Glenn was taken prisoner. They are Americans; the first on the front line in this Battle of Egypt---they are worthy of the best traditions of any front line forces and their courage and endurance is attested by all. We are proud that the American Field Service is there to render aid. Stephen Galatti “ From the AFS archives website. “AMERICAN FIELD SERVICE LETTERS.”

^{^[69]} A Line a Day. Information on the Talma (see also PowerPoint) This must have been very crowed. Built: 1923 by Hawthorn, Leslie and Co., Newcastle. Yard Nos. 529. Tonnage : 10, 000g, 6, 154n, 9, 416 dwt.; Engines : Single Screw, Quadruple Expansion 900 NHP. 14.39 Knots (trials) 12 Knots Service Speed.. 2, 500 Tons Coal Bunkers. Passengers: 60 First Class, 74 Second Class, 3, 156 Deck and 220 Crew.
Launched 14th June 1923, delivered 13th September 1923. Talma is a village in Faridpur District, East Bengal now Bangladesh. The first new design of Deep Sea Passenger Ships built for BI. In October 1923 she entered onto the Apcar Service to Japan- Calcutta- Rangoon- Penang- Singapore- Hong Kong- Amoy- Shanghai- Moji- Kobe. She suffered two major fires, both in Number 3 Hold and on the 17th August 1936 was driven ashore at Junk Bay, Hong Kong by a typhoon, only breaking her stern post. She had an incident-free war and she was the last of BI's ships to be released from war duties in October 1947. Lack of speed was her handicap and with the new 'C' Class ships coming on stream she was sold for scrap and after being towed to Inverkeithing, work commenced 29th May 1949 by Thomas W. Ward.

[71] Photo confirmed to be Sandy by Eleanora Globolic, AFS Archives, 9/18/2008.

^{^[73]} General Register and Record Office of Shipping and Seamen, Llantrisant Road, Llandaff, Cardiff, CF5 2YS; British India Steam navigation Co., Ltd., 122 Leadenhall Street, London EC3, (regarding the Talma), The Shipping Master, Government Shipping Office, Nou Bhavan, 10 Nicol Road, Ballard est., Bombay 1, India (regarding the Talma). See also http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/lines/bisn.html

^{^[74]} Letter to Larry Roeder, Dec 17, 1984 about the Talma from Imperial War Museum, Reference PF/LB/M1764/84.

^{^[75]} This was a ship regularly used as a troop carrier, and is mentioned in "My two periods of Eastern Service," http://www.mckennas.demon.co.uk/part2.htm. (note website went down in 2007) Had extracts of diary entries from the author’s two periods of Eastern Service from 5 March 1945 until 2 May 1947, and from 21 January 1952 until 14 March 1953. The vessel was built in 1923 and scrapped in 1949 in the UK.

^{^[76]} Joseph Desloge, Jr. in his book “Passport to Manhood,”

^{^[77]} John Galt Stockly, ME1, NY, NY. Roster of Volunteers

^{^[78]} Not sure Enenrs was. I could not find him in the Roster of Volunteers nor in a typed list of ME1 volunteers in my father’s files.

^{^[79]} Hand Typed List of ME1 shows Moore must have been William J. Moore of Crosse Pointe, Michigan.

^{^[80]} Percival Christopher Wren (1885-1941), adventurer and writer of adventures, immortalized the French Foreign Legion in Beau Geste

^{^[81]} Picture gained from Internet STEAMER POINT. ADEN. VIEWED FROM THE HARBOUR SHOWING THE TOWER CLOCK AND SECRETARIAT BUILDING. Publisher: Mr. A. Abassi, V. Photographic Studio, Aden. ~ No: 47
Real Photographic Sepia postcard with divided POST CARD back in brown

^{^[82]} According to Wikkepedia. “Darkness at Noon is the most famous novel by Hungarian-born British novelist Arthur Koestler. Published in 1940, it tells the tale of Rubashov, a Bolshevik old guard and 1917 revolutionary who is first cast out and then imprisoned and tried for treason by the Soviet government he once helped create.

The novel is set in 1938 during the Stalinist purges and Moscow show trials. It reflects the author's personal disillusionment with Communism and Stalin's destruction of the revolution; Koestler knew some of the defendants at the Moscow trials. Although the characters have Russian names, neither Russia nor the Soviet Union are actually mentioned by name as the location of the book. Joseph Stalin is described as "Number One", a barely-seen and menacing totalitarian leader.

Due to Koestler's complex life, the novel was originally written in German and translated into English. However, the original German text has been lost, and German versions are back translations from English. Darkness at Noon is actually the second part of a trilogy, the first volume being The Gladiators about the subversion of the Spartacus revolt, and the third Arrival and Departure about a refugee in World War II. The Gladiators was originally written in Hungarian and Arrival and Departure in English. Of these two, only The Gladiators has had much success.

^{^[83]} William Sherman (known as Sherman) Kuehn, ME1, Fond-du-Lac Wisconsin. Roster of Volunteers. According to a reference in Ancestry.com, he died September 10, 1984 in Florence.

^{^[84]} Wikipedia: Rebecca is a novel by British author Daphne du Maurier. It was published in 1938 and is considered to be one of her best works. It was partially inspired by Jane Eyre.^[1][2]

^{^[88]} Mary Barrett is an aspiring Opera singer who is taken under the wings of a famous operatic maestro, Guilio Monterverdi...

^{^[92]} Connecticut Yankee in 8^th Gurka Rifles, pg 19.

^{^[93]} This is where Larry Winter Roeder, Jr. was born (AUB).

^{^[98]} I asked the AFS archives about these ribbons and was told “Thanks for sharing images from your father's WWII collection. We don't have any yellow bars of ribbons (worn on shoulder straps) nor any photos of such artifacts. It's possible that these may have been divisional titles.
Eleanora Golobic, Archivist, AFS Intercultural Programs, Inc. 71 West 23rd Street,17th Floor, New York, NY 10010,Tel.(212) 807-8686, ext. 112,www.afs.org

^{^[100]}Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Arak or araq (Arabic: عرق IPA [ʕaraq], is a clear, colorless, unsweetened aniseed-flavored distilled alcoholic drink, produced in the eastern Mediterranean countries of, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel, and Iraq. The word comes from Arabic araq عرق, meaning "sweat" or "juice". Arak is not to be confused with the similarly named liquor, arrack. Arak is usually not drunk straight, but is mixed in approximately 1/3 arak to 2/3 water, and ice is then added. This dilution causes the liquor to turn an opaque milky-white color. Arak is also commonly mixed with teas and juices. Drinkers may also take arak with a chaser on the side. Arak is usually served with mezza, which could include dozens of small dishes, which many arak drinkers prefer as accompaniment rather than main courses. When the main course of the meal is served, it may hardly be touched, in favor of these smaller dishes. It is also well appreciated with barbecues, along with garlic sauce.

Tradition requires that water is added before ice, because if ice is added directly it results in the formation of an aesthetically unpleasing skin on the surface of the drink. For the same reason, an arak glass should never be refilled directly after being emptied; a clean glass must be used each time. In restaurants, when a bottle of arak is ordered the waiter will usually bring a number of glasses along with it for this reason

^{^[102]} Recollections of Larry Winter Roeder, ME1.

^{^[103]} History of the hotel from their website.

^{^[104]} Bowen is likely Croswell Bowen of Chappaque, NY.

^{^[105]} From Realbeer.com I learned “This game is best played with a small group and each participant must be very observant and alert at all times. Everyone sits around a table, and chairmen start the game by standing up with his full glass and announcing "I drink to the health of cardinal puff", glass on the table, taps the table with one finger with his left hand, and then taps the table with one finger with his right hand, he then taps underside of the table once with each finger of each hand. Then he taps his right leg with his right hand once, and his left leg with his left hand once. He then picks up his glass holding it with one finger and his thumb takes one drink and then table and sits it down. He then stands and says, "I drink to the health of the cardinal puff" for the second time. Then he repeats the above sequence tapping the table twice with two fingers, tapping the underside of the table twice with two fingers, tapping both his legs twice with each hand, and then holding his glass with two fingers and his thumb, take two drinks and then tapping the glass two times on the table and sits it down. Then he announces "I drink to the health of the cardinal puff" for the third and final time. Everything is done as above, but now three times and three fingers. Once this all has been done, he sits down, and the next person must try his luck drinking to the cardinals health. Any mistakes results in that person drinking a fine and starting at the beginning.

^{^[108]} Source of Photo: A great website on the history of Acre. http://www.palestineremembered.com/Acre/Acre/MorePicture.html

[109] Ambulance in Africa by Evan Thomas, pg 45

[110] An AFS Driver Remembers, by Charles P Edwards. Internet manuscript.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.intercultura.it/P03.001/chisiamo/charles_edwards/images/fox024.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.intercultura.it/P03.001/chisiamo/charles_edwards/fox03.html&h=476&w=864&sz=50&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=2lu_oDGEcisnVM:&tbnh=80&tbnw=145&prev=/images%3Fq%3DPalmyra,%2BSyria%2BAFS%26gbv%3D2%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG

^{^[111]} Photo collection of Larry Winter Roeder

^{^[113]} Went to Harvard. Roster of Volunteers

^{^[114]} Gerald Bruce Maloney was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Roster of Volunteers

^{^[116]} A Line A Day. Who is “Stokes.” Was he really involved in Hashish smuggling? See entry from March 15. This apparently is Gordon Stokes.

^{^[118]} Roeder archives. Dad was known to dress in Arab garb. Is this him?

^{^[120]}

ID Number:	023923 Australian War Memorial Records
Physical description:	Black & white
Summary:	TRIPOLI, SYRIA. 1942-03. THE 2/11TH AUSTRALIAN FIELD AMBULANCE HOSPITAL BUILDING, FORMERLY AN ITALIAN HOSPITAL, AS SEEN FROM THE ROADWAY.

^{^[121]} Donated to Australian War memorial by S. Davies. Item P03498.006.

^{^[122]} Source: http://www.cafe-syria.com/Latakia.htm Latakia - Is Syria’s main sea-port on the Mediterranean. It lies 186 km southwest of Aleppo, 348 km northwest of Damascus. It has retained its importance since ancient times.

Though there is evidence to suggest continuous settlement here stretching back to 1000 BC, Latakia only came to prominence in the wake of Alexander the Great's conquest, when is was transformed into a major city of the Seleucid empire. Renamed in honor of Loadicea, the mother of Alexander the Great's general Seleucus I Nicator,

^{^[123]} Letter to Larry Roeder, Jr November 22, 1993, from Ramsey Campbell

^{^[126]} What does he mean by Winter? Dad’s mother’s family was the Winter family of St. Louis? Is there a connection?

^{^[127]} This must be David Clinton Jones, ME 37, CM99; Princeton; Elizabeth, New Jersey. Roster of Volunteers

[128] Evan Thomas, “Ambulance in Africa,” page 42-43, Appleton, 1943.

[129] According to one source I found on the internet, Dirouhi Highgas was born in Konia, Turkey, in 1905, where she and her family were uprooted from their home and deported by the Turkish government in 1915. They were forced to march with other Armenian families to the outskirts of Tarsus. After months of starvation, beatings, and killings, Dirouhi's caravan arrived at a large concentration camp called Gatmanear Aleppo. From here she was forced into a train of cattle cars and sent to the killing center of Deir-el-Zor in the Syrian Desert. Dirouhi escaped death and today lives in Massachusetts. She has written an account of her experiences during the genocide entitled "Refugee Girl" (Watertown, Mass.: Baiker Publications, 1985).

^{^[130]} History of the American Field Service, Chapter 4 Syria… pp208-211.

[133] Roeder Archives. Photo taken April 5, 1942. Judging by the vegetation behind the ambulance, I suspect this was taken on the compound of the American Presbyterian Mission. See picture of compound taken same day.

[134] Deer Hunting photos from Roeder archives.

[136] Presbyterian Historical Society , Philadelphia, PA, United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. Commission on Ecumenical Mission and Relations. Secretaries' Files: Syria Mission, 1894-1972 (bulk: 1911-1968) (website citation).

[137] Letter to Larry W. Roeder, Jr., from Manning Field, December, 1993.

[138] Conversation with James B. Watson, ME1, December 19, 2007.

^{^[139]} Website information Wikipedia: Nov, 2006 Sitting at the intersection of two major roads, Deir ez-Zor is easily the most important city on the banks of the Euphrates, where it flows through Syria. With a few good hotels, nice restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere, Deir ez-Zor is the gateway to the Jezira, Syrian Mesopotamia, and the perfect place from which to start your travels.

In terms of sights, Deir ez-Zor isn’t exactly overflowing with the history and the ruins that you will find in other Syrian cities. Actually, unlike many cities in Syria, Deir ez-Zor doesn’t have much history to it at all, but what it does have is the Euphrates River and the best museum in Syria. The Deir ez-Zor Museum is a recent project that was undertaken by a joint Syrian-German team and funded with plenty of money from international oil companies. Less than 10 years old, this is the best museum in Syria. While it doesn’t have the shear amount of stuff that you may find in Damascus, it does have some extremely impressive pieces and the presentation is surprisingly modern. The artifacts aren’t just randomly set-up like they are in other museums in Syria, here they actually follow a chronological order that shows you the history of Syrian Mesopotamia. Also, unlike in Damascus or Aleppo where some signs are Arabic-English, some are Arabic-French, and some are Arabic only; everything in Deir ez-Zor is labeled in English and Arabic, and the translations are actually good! There are numerous dioramas and all the exhibits are supplemented with pictures. The most impressive artifacts are those in the prehistoric and ancient rooms. Numerous ancient settlements have been found in the Jezira from such ancient cultures as the Akkadians, Amorites, and Sumerians. These sites have yielded some impressive sculptures and jewelry that have provided the best insight into Mesopotamian culture. There are also classical and Islamic/Arab ruins, but these are rather poor when compared with other museums in Syria. The museum gets very few visitors, just the occasional tour bus, so if you hit it up early in the morning, you can be the only one there like I was.

Deir ez-Zor’s other main attraction is the Euphrates river, a river whose name for me has always sparked imagination and wonder. The main part of the town isn’t actually on the Euphrates, but rather a canal. To get to the actual river you have to walk about 5 minutes out of the town center. There you will come upon the river, about 1km wide, flowing mightily past banks of lush vegetation. It is here that you will also find the suspension bridge where locals gather around sunset to enjoy the romantic view and have their picture taken. To the side of the bridge, there are a couple of nice restaurants where you can enjoy typical Arab food as well as a beer or some arak (anis-based liquor) and watch the river pass by on its way to the Persian Gulf. It’s a perfect way to spend an evening.

^{^[140]} Wonder if he is an Australian. Didn’t see his name in Roster of Volunteers.

^{^[141]} Medical Records of Larry Winter Roeder, AFS.

^{^[142]} The movie was a 1935 yarn celebrating the exciting adventures of the warrior who crushes Napoleon and rescues the helpless Louis XVIII from the angry allies.

^{^[143]} Very interesting notion, this. The rail was built by the British and while serving in the MFO I removed the manufacturer plates off of some of the train cars, as they had all been bombed in 1956 during the Suez War.

^{^[144]} Letter to Larry Roeder, Jr November 22, 1993 from Ramsey Campbell

^{^[146]} Note: A Sun Compass is non-magnetic and uses the path of the sun as a reference line to indicate direction and works in reverse to a sundial.

^{^[149]} Source of Photo: Australian War Memorial Collections Database

^{^[151]} Not sure who Sidney is. Don’t see name in Roster of Volunteers.

^{^[154]} Recollections of Larry W. Roeder and Larry W. Roeder, Jr.

^{^[155]} Ambulance of Larry Roeder, photo archives of Larry Roeder

[156] El Adem was south of Tobruk and near a Division HQ. During Tobruk fighting, majority of the fighting troops of the Indian Division were concentrated in El Adem box.. Ambulance in Africa by Evan Thomas, pg 65

^{^[157]} From website of NZ Electronic Text Center, Victoria University of Wellington

^{^[158]} As best I can figure, “Knightsbridge” was a fortification and a major battle. Today one of the Tobruk cemeteries is there.

^{^[162]} I think this was my father’s favorite Scotch. He always kept a bottle in the cabinet.

^{^[163]} This must count as Dad’s first “consular” act. He would join the Foreign Service after WWII and become one of the Department’s top experts in passport and consular matters.

^{^[164]} From US Passport 714419 for Larry Winter Roeder

^{^[165]} According to Wikkepedia “When the war broke out in 1939, 6 RTR was based in Egypt with the Heavy Armoured Brigade (Egypt), part of the Armoured Division (Egypt). It was equipped with a mixture of Mk VIb light tanks, Mark II medium tanks, and Mk I Cruiser tanks. RTR saw action during the Suez crisis in 1956, where C Squadron was landed to support Operation Musketeer. In 1959 it was amalgamated with 3rd Royal Tank Regiment. I remember these fellows well. British artillery and tanks reportedly fired over my convoy in 1956 while we evacuated from Cairo during the Suez War. The convoy was made up of diplomatic staff from various Embassies in Cairo, headed to the safety of US Navy in Alexandria. (Recollections of Larry Winter Roeder, Jr.)

^{^[166]} A line a Day. The Battle for this town is now a computer video game, one of the Call of Duty series produced in 2007.

^{^[168]} Letter to Larry Roeder, Jr. November 22, 1993 from Ramsey Campbell

^{^[169]} Letter to Larry Roeder, Jr. November 22, 1993 from Ramsey Campbell

^{^[170]} Medical Records for Larry Winter Roeder, AFS

^{^[172]} The Kitty-Hawk was The Curtiss P-40 “an American single-engine, single-seat, all-metal fighter and ground attack aircraft that first flew in 1938. It was used in great numbers in World War II. The P-40 design was a modification of the previous P-36; this reduced development time and enabled a rapid entry into production and operational service. When production of the P-40 ceased, in November 1944, 13,738 had been built. They were used by the air forces of 28 nations and remained in front line service until the end of the war.” Source of information was Wikipedia

^{^[173]} Medical Records of Larry Winter Roeder, AFS

^{^[174]} US Passport 714419 for Larry Winter Roeder

^{^[175]} This is a real disease “A mild viral disease transmitted by the bite of the sand fly (Phlebotomus papatasii), characterized by fever, malaise, eye pain, and headache. Also called pappataci fever, phlebotomus fever.” Source of information answers.com.

^{^[176]} Medical Records of Larry Winter Roeder, AFS

^{^[177]} This was dive bomber made by Junkers.

^{^[178]} 1941 Movie. On a layover in Hawaii two conniving Navy seamen borrow money to lay down bets that their ship will win the upcoming gunnery practice trophy, having found out that the current gunnery champ has just transferred aboard their ship. What they haven't learned, however, is that the marksman's enlistment is up before the contest is supposed to take place. Written by Doug Sederberg The Rialto Theater apparently is still in Alexandria. Alexandria, Egypt 46 Safiya Zaghloul Street, , Alexandria, Egypt

^{^[179]} Anything is possible I suppose; but according to Lawrence in The Wilderness of Zin, he learned Arabic in the Sinai, not Syria.

^{^[180]} A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE 4th Bn. THE BORDER REGT., 1940 — 1945, From the recollections of, Capt. H.W.W. GOOD, T.D., R.A.M.C. BBC recollections.

^{^[181]} US Passport 714419 for Larry Winter Roeder

^{^[182]} Honorable Discharge Papers for Larry Winter Roeder, AFS, 8/27/1942. Recollections of LWR and Recollections of LWR, Jr.

^{^[183]} Book series created by Margaret Sidney from 1881 to 1916 about five children named Pepper. There were at least two movies of that name, one in 1939 and one in 1940.

^{^[184]} I read that these people were considered Bantu, a wide-spread S. African race, totemists, rearers of cattle, and growers of maize;

^{^[185]} Project 19 - A Mission Most Secret, By John W. Swancara, Honoribus Press P.O. Box 4872 Spartanburg, SC 29305 ISBN 1-885354-07-X

^{^[186]} Home Page for Kagnew Station http://www.kagnewstation.com/index.html

^{^[187]} Geneifa was a huge transit camp for people in between postings.

[188] History of the American Field Service, pg 110.

^{^[190]} http://www.flickr.com/photos/photosnormandie/395200499/

^{^[191]} This is Suriname (formerly Dutch Guyana), a small Republic on the Northeast coast of South America.

Events by the Day 1941-1943

Thursday Nov 6, 1941 Dad Gets Red Cross Geneva Card

Travel on the West Point

Monday Nov 17, 1941 Reach Port of Spain Trinidad

Sunday November 23, 1941 On the West Point. Larry Roeder is Observer

Saturday, December 27, 1941 Landing at Bombay

Thursday January 8, 1942 Temples of Rock and Nasik

Tuesday, January 27, 1942 SS Talma Sets Sail from Bombay

Tuesday, February 3, 1942 Arrival Aden

Wednesday February 4th, 1942 Left Aden for the Red Sea

Friday, February 6, 1942 A Day at Port Sudan

Tuesday February 10, 1942. Docked at Port of Suez. Drove to Camp

Wednesday, February 11, 1942 El Tehag, Egypt

Sunday February 15,1942 The Day Singapore Fell

Tuesday, February 17, 1942 Convoy to Syria

Wednesday February 18, 1942. Sinai Crossing & Palestine

Syria 1942

Thursday February 19, 1942 Entered Haifa and Beirut

Roeder in Jerusalem

Friday, March 20, 1942 Departure for Turkey

Sunday March 22, 1942 Evening with Gunar in Beirut

Thursday March 26, 1942 Faulstich and Roeder go to Beirut

March 28, 1942. Roeder & Campbell in Tripoli, Lebanon

Sunday, March 29, 1942 Roeder and Faulstich Drive to Beirut

Tuesday March 31, 1942 Tour of Jerusalem and a long Hitchhike

Friday April 3, 1942 Davey Jones is in Jail Dier Ez Zor?

Sunday April 5, 1942 Larry Roeder’s Easter Deer Hunt DEZ

Discussion about American Presbyterian Mission, DEZ

Monday April 6, 1942 First Air Raid Alarm Evening with Gunar

April 9, 1942: Larry Roeder declared a Casualty of War in Syria

Friday April 17th, 1942 Sub Attack Near Beirut – Evening with Gunar

Friday April 24, 1942 Depart Tripoli for Western Desert Action

Saturday, April 25, 1942 Transit Camp before Going to Western Desert

Monday May 4, 1942. Roeder and others head to Western Desert

Saturday, May 16, 1942 Trucks made ready for Battle

June, 1942 (not dated) Larry Roeder in Cairo

July 8, 1942 Roeder on his Way to Syria while mustering out of AFS

July 9, 1942 Ramsey Campbell dinner with Larry Roeder in Cairo

July 19, 1942 Roeder Embarks Suez for America

Battles of El Alamein Recollections by Dad

Wednesday, August 12, 1942 Movement Back to Syria

Thursday August 13, 1942 Arrive Beir Sheba

Friday August 14, 1942 Arrive Haifa

Saturday August 15, 1942 Arrival at Aley, near Beirut and Gunar

Sunday August 16, 1942 Arrival Aleppo

Thursday, Aug 20, 1942 Sheik Hamoudi and Gunar. Dad Returns to USA

Wednesday August 26, 1942 Faulstich takes train to Aleppo Hospital

Monday, September 7, 1942 US Air Force Arrives in Beirut

Sunday, September 20, 1942 Gunar starts Medical School

Monday September 21, 1942 Saw Gunar in Beirut

Wednesday Oct 14, 1942 Making preparations to Depart for America

Thursday Oct 15, 1942 Drive Through Syria, Lebanon and Palestine

Sunday, October 18, 1942 Opportunity for a Job. Thief in the barracks

James Lynch talks About El Alamein and Eritrea Secret Project

Sunday, Nov 29, 1942 Reached Aden

Monday, Nov 30, 1942 Left Aden

Tues, Dec 1, 1942 Entered Indian Ocean

Sunday, Jan 10, 1943 Reach Paramaribo

Wednesday, Jan 13, 1943 Leave Paramaribo. Take Survivors on board.

Friday, Jan 15, 1943 Reach Port of Spain, Trinidad

Sun, Jan 24, 1943 Left Trinidad in 36 Ship Convoy

Fri, Jan 29, 1943 Reached Cuba

Wednesday February 4^th, 1942 Left Aden for the Red Sea

March 28, 1942. Roeder & Campbell in *Tripoli, Lebanon***

Friday April 17^th, 1942 Sub Attack Near Beirut – Evening with Gunar