The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1943-06-17
GIimpses Life
Of Naval Petrol
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soldier rubs shoulders with fellow
soldiers of all nations here.
Bill tells US that the unity be-
tween the army and navy was far
greater after the invasion because
of the barrage laid down during the
landing. The same tactics were
used here as at Tokyo in that the
army planes took off from carriers
and held bombing and strafing
raids. The airports were then cap
tured
On December 81 an air raid was
made and four out of six of the
marauding planes were shot down.
Bill is proud of the fact that his
squadron, consisting of II planes,
has the most flying hours of any
during the past year-about 10000.
During the past eight months
they have been living like the
army units-in tents. In fact, Bill
has not sailed foot Of water since
joining up this last stretch. He
says that when they first landed
in Africa for the first few weeks
they had to rob the army docks to
get food-a case of survival of the
fittest The conveys soon began
getting in, resulting in better or
ganization and sufficient supplies
for all-both military and civilians
since the Germans took rs per cent
of all supplies.
Asked about the climate, we
learned that rains come only in
winter Nights are cool--perfect ex-
cept for a few nights IN summer
when the wind from the Sahara
keeps them hot. Days are hot Each
farm has reservoirs made of rock
walls to hold all rain for use in ir-
rigation and for stock-not for
drinking. No one drinks water in
this country because of its pollu-
ton Even the little children drink
beer and wine. Sheep, camels and
donkeys are most plentiful with a
few cattle. Bill says the pictures of
the huge Arabian with his two
enormous sacks at his side on tiny
donkey are not exaggerated-only
glimpse Of the little animal can
been seen when mounted. and he
takes minclng steps to keep from
collapsing with his great load
Bill tells us that the meals of the
service men there are well bal
anced and the dehydrated meats
are the most palatable of that vari-
ETY. of food, Of which much of their
diet consists. Sugar is not to be
had by the natives and the boys
enjoy feeding the children their
candy III preference to eating il
themselves. The morale among our
men is fine but their anger rises
to high pitch when they hear about
strikes on this side. Soap is an
other commodity the natives do not
have and the men win many ia
vors by bar Of soap Ration cards
for candy, soaps, tobacco and many
other items are issued the men who
purchase these things at the COM
missary
Restaurants are only open at meal
time due to scarcity of foods The
native cooking is excellent How
ever, the Red Cross runs a lunch
room at which French girls are
the personnel. Bills favorite dish
is their omelet A good meal may
be purchased for 80 cents There
American hostesses are in charge of
the club room at which ping pong
may be played, a piano is in con-
slant use and easy chairs with mag
azines and books may be enjoyed
A useful item is the log book in
which all register, giving their
home address. In this way one
may look up. and find friends or
leave messages for friends who may
come later.
Things most desired by soldiers
abroad are letters, subscriptions to
magazines and papers, midget games
OF all sorts The navy boys do not
need to get permission from their
commanding officer to ask for these
things but all must write asking
for what they wish.
Just before leaving Casablanca,
Bill received promotion and now
is rated lst class aviation radio man
which equals rank next to master
sergeant in the army Bill left Sun
day to return by the same route to
continue patrol duties. May he
make all happy landings and safe
return soon.