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Story
September 9, 1943
The Western News
Libby, Lincoln County, Montana
What is this article about?
WWII Top Turret Gunner Richard Bartlett writes from the Middle East on August 7, detailing his unit's air battles since June 27, daily life of heat and flies, a visit to Tunis and Carthage ruins, and hope to complete 25 missions to return home by Christmas.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Troy Man
In Many
Air Battles
In a letter to a friend, Top Turret Gunner Richard Bartlett writes on August 7 from the middle east. "In the first place did you know we have been in the middle east since June 27? I've been told we've been making history the last month or so-please check these dates, July 17, 19 and Aug. 1. If you watch the papers for any activity in the Liberators from the middle east you can bet your upper plate we're in on it. We haven't been doing much else.
"When we aren't flying, we sweat, eat water melons, grapes, eggs and dust. The Mediterranean sea is about (censored) miles from camp and we have a beautiful white beach to romp about on. There are no restrictions on bathing costumes and some of the sights are shocking-- even to me. We get odd combinations of American and English, and native merchandise for rations. But at that they are better than we got in England. For chow, over sized C rations with bread-in short, this life and the flies soon drive you nuts.
"We just came back to base from Tunis. "It was a change but not much better. We spent the 5th and 6th there. Took my first fresh water bath in two months and saw a white woman. Everything there is French. We slept in a straw stack. Went to Carthage, old Hannibal's home town. Saw the ruins of ancient Carthage including a coliseum and the amphitheatre used expressly for Sunday afternoons, you know the old story of the Christians and the lions. really quite educational.
"Some of the guys are going back to the States from here. The idea is to live through 25 missions and you are sent back to the States. I'm about half through so with lots of luck and the grace of God I may be home by Christmas. In the meantime all I can do is hope and pray.
"I'll sign off now, please remember to write even if I don't 'cause sometimes I can't."
In Many
Air Battles
In a letter to a friend, Top Turret Gunner Richard Bartlett writes on August 7 from the middle east. "In the first place did you know we have been in the middle east since June 27? I've been told we've been making history the last month or so-please check these dates, July 17, 19 and Aug. 1. If you watch the papers for any activity in the Liberators from the middle east you can bet your upper plate we're in on it. We haven't been doing much else.
"When we aren't flying, we sweat, eat water melons, grapes, eggs and dust. The Mediterranean sea is about (censored) miles from camp and we have a beautiful white beach to romp about on. There are no restrictions on bathing costumes and some of the sights are shocking-- even to me. We get odd combinations of American and English, and native merchandise for rations. But at that they are better than we got in England. For chow, over sized C rations with bread-in short, this life and the flies soon drive you nuts.
"We just came back to base from Tunis. "It was a change but not much better. We spent the 5th and 6th there. Took my first fresh water bath in two months and saw a white woman. Everything there is French. We slept in a straw stack. Went to Carthage, old Hannibal's home town. Saw the ruins of ancient Carthage including a coliseum and the amphitheatre used expressly for Sunday afternoons, you know the old story of the Christians and the lions. really quite educational.
"Some of the guys are going back to the States from here. The idea is to live through 25 missions and you are sent back to the States. I'm about half through so with lots of luck and the grace of God I may be home by Christmas. In the meantime all I can do is hope and pray.
"I'll sign off now, please remember to write even if I don't 'cause sometimes I can't."
What sub-type of article is it?
Biography
Military Action
Journey
What themes does it cover?
Survival
Bravery Heroism
Providence Divine
What keywords are associated?
Wwii Soldier
Air Battles
Middle East
Tunis Visit
Carthage Ruins
Military Missions
Home By Christmas
What entities or persons were involved?
Richard Bartlett
Where did it happen?
Middle East, Tunis, Carthage
Story Details
Key Persons
Richard Bartlett
Location
Middle East, Tunis, Carthage
Event Date
August 7, Since June 27
Story Details
Soldier describes air missions in Liberators, daily hardships in heat and dust, beach relaxation, visit to Tunis for bath and sightseeing at Carthage ruins, progress toward 25 missions for return home.