Winfred to Margaret

EDITOR’S NOTE: Two letters were written home by Winfred on October 20, 1943; one to the Folks and one to Margaret. Oct.20, 1943(2)                0660      WM       March Field, CA Winfred writes to his sister Margaret. He hasn’t much to say; still busy 12 to 16 hours each day; a furlough is not likely; and he heard from Clifford – Little Fizzer. He weighs 178 and thinks she has all the brains in the family.

EDITOR’S NOTE: On September 15, 1943, four letters arrived home – Two were from Winfred, one to the folks and one to Margaret; the third was from Clifford to his folks; and the fourth was to come to FIZZ, via his folks, from Bob Merrill (Clifford’s best friend). Sep. 15, 1943 (2)             0500      WM       Gowen Field, ID               seen a few crashes Winfred thanks Margaret for the candy; flies 5 to 10 hours daily and is attending 3 schools at the same time. Landings and takeoffs are nerve racking after having seen a few crashes there. He hopes to leave soon and get his flight pay today.    (Letter 2 of 4 – Sept. 15, 1943)

Aug. 20, 1943                    0430      WM       Gowen Field, ID               Assigned to a crew Winfred tells Margaret he has been assigned to a crew. He is still a P.F.C. but should be ranked higher.

Aug. 12, 1943                    0420      WM       Gowen Field, ID               Pressure Chamber Winfred shares with Margaret he has been in the pressure chamber all morning; oxygen is essential!  See link to WWII training film on ‘Human Physiology and Altitude’.

Aug. 7, 1943                      0410      WM       Gowen Field, ID Winfred tells Margaret he has learned Lynn Bartlow’s (Winfred’s cousin) wife has died; he has a pink picture of Clifford; and is going to school & flying daily but not shooting yet. He was part of a big review. 

Aug. 2, 1943                      0390      WM       Gowen Field, ID                    Winfred tells Margaret about his week in gunnery school; got a letter from their brother; talks about Benito Mussolini; asks about work; and saw the movie ‘Dixie’. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is Winfred’s first letter home from his new base, Gowen Field (near Boise, ID), where he will begin Phase 1- Bomber Training. Jul. 23, 1943                      0380      WM       Gowen Field, ID Winfred lets Margaret know he is at a new base in Boise, ID – Gowen Field for Phase 1 training (where the B-24 crews are assembled and trained). There will be more processing/classification; he’s out ranked by everyone; there are young pilots and crashes; it’s a good camp, but no furlough. EDITOR’S NOTE: In four days, July 27, 1943, Winfred Maxwell will turn twenty-two. Happy Birthday, Winfred!

Jul. 9, 1943                        0320      WM       Salt Lake City, UT Winfred tells Margaret he is in Salt Lake City waiting to be shipped out. It’s hot, dry and dusty and he is no longer lily-white.

Jun. 17, 1943                     0280      WM       AAFTS/Sioux Falls, SD Winfred reminds Margaret that he has been in the army for almost 6 months, has graduated from radio school, and is waiting to be shipped somewhere.  He has yet to see anyone he knew from before enlisting.