Winfred to Folks

EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is Winfred’s first letter home since completing his final mission. Jun. 26, 1944          2240          WF          Station #114 – Hethel Air Base, UK via New York City, N.Y. Winfred tells the Folks he is a very happy + lucky fellow (he has another pass); and says “you don’t have to do anymore worrying about me now as I’ve accomplished what I came for”; taking things easy starting today. Apologizes for not writing for several days; asks they tell Margaret he will write to her soon – he’s been busy; expresses how relieved is now; guesses he’s “about the most lucky fellow in the E.T.O.”; has an Air Medal + 3 clusters and is recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross – will send them home when he can; and closes to get ready to go to town and do a little celebrating.

Jun. 23, 1944          2220          WF          Station #114 – Hethel Air Base, UK via New York City, N.Y. Winfred writes to the Folks. He has been on a pass to London so couldn’t get much writing done; it was a welcomed pass – had a nice time, relaxation did him some good; heard from Cliff today (first time for a long time) Cliff had to do Basic training again and might get a furlough soon; Winf. felt kind of sorry for him – Cliff’s likely to go someplace soon; and closes to write more letters.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is Winfred’s first letter home since the D-Day Invasion. No mention of the invasion; it would have been censored if he had. Jun. 14, 1944          2190          WF          Station #114 – Hethel Air Base, UK via New York City, N.Y. Winfred scribbles a few lines to the Folks; asks if anything is interesting or new at home – any of the boys been home lately?; everything is as usual; enjoying the summer weather; mail has been scarce; is ready for another package of cigarettes and candy; wants posted on his bank account; asks if Cliff writes much – knows he is busy; guesses they haven’t seen any of the folks for a while; and closes.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This letter home was written after the bombing mission they completed earlier in the day. Jun. 3, 1944          2140          WF          Station #114 – Hethel Air Base, UK via New York City, N.Y. Winfred lets the Folks know it’s 8:00 P.M., he is still there and is O.K.; no show tonight so nothing to do but write; glad they got the money he sent – others say it’s not quick; will be making more next month but may go to London and spend it – the relaxation is worth it; Cliff hasn’t written lately but probably too busy; has a black eye from free-for-all last night with a couple of the boys – had fun; received two letters with clippings from Maragaret today; closes to answer her letters.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Two letters were sent home by Winfred today; one to his Folks, and one to his sister, Margaret. This is the only letter home that Winfred addresses to both his parents Mr. + Mrs. Guy D. Maxwell. May 24, 1944 (1)         2040          WF          Station #114 – Hethel Air Base, UK via New York City, N.Y. Once again Winfred writes the Folks; the service men’s radio broadcasts are pretty good over there – Melody Roundup; Margaret sends clippings connected to him; England is a beautiful place but rains a lot; they play games – football, basketball, etc. – a lot; hasn’t heard from Cliff for some time; can see him drilling in the Texas dust; and must close now.

May 22, 1944          2030          WF          Station #114 – Hethel Air Base, UK via New York City, N.Y. Winfred scribbles a few lines to the Folks; is O.K. – as happy as anyone in the E.T.O.; received the package yesterday they sent – thanks for the picture and candy; haven’t received letters for a couple days; mail service is much better; asks if they have heard from any of the Irondale boys; won’t get home for a while – has things to do; Toppy? Has joined the Navy; must close now.

May 21, 1944          2020          WF          Station #114 – Hethel Air Base, UK via New York City, N.Y. Winfred gets in a few lines to the Folks; hasn’t had time to write; is feeling well; hasn’t seen Jr. Maxwell; is hearing from everyone; is hearing from his ex – Lois and is hooked again; closes saying he will write more when he can find something to write about.

EDITOR’S NOTE: It has been almost six weeks since Winfred sent a letter to his Folks. It is possible a letter might be missing, or . . . he at one time said that he could not think of home while he was over there for fear of ‘losing it’ like many of the other soldiers he had seen. May 14, 1944          1980          WF          Station #114 – Hethel Air Base, UK via New York City, N.Y. Winfred writes the Folks after several days but has been busy; he has a much-welcomed pass coming up; is still O.K. – feels fine; guesses Cliff who is now in Texas has outgrown him; has been promoted to Tech Sergeant; and must close.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Two letters were written home by Winfred on April 1, 1944 from his new base; one to the Folks and the other to his sister Margaret. Apr. 1, 1944 (1)          1800          WF          Station #114 – Hethel Air Base, UK via New York City, N.Y. Winfred lets the folks know he has been transferred to a new outfit (389th B.G./564th B. Squad.) and  hasn’t had time to write; tells them to notice his new address change; it’s a nice place, much better, but he doesn’t like it a well yet; hasn’t heard from anyone in a while; on the same base with Cousin Jr.; asks if they got the money order he sent; must close now; and says Mr. Rainer received his picture okay.

 Mar. 24, 1944          1760          WF          Station #144 – Old Buckenham, UK via New York City, N.Y. Winfred tells the Folks Margaret sent some news clippings – one talks about Johnny Reagan in a Basketball Tourney in MO.; also heard from Clifford’s girlfriend Mary Lou – she’s nice and sent some candy; is still getting along fine; and closes.