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HARD TIMES ON THE HOME FRONT DURING WORLD WAR II by Lindsey, Bernard T

by Lindsey, Bernard T

HARD TIMES ON THE HOME FRONT DURING WORLD WAR II by Lindsey, Bernard T

HARD TIMES ON THE HOME FRONT DURING WORLD WAR II

by Lindsey, Bernard T

  • Used
A group of more than 60 letters from Bernard T. Lindsey (1922-99), Boatswain's Mate 1st Class, U.S. Navy to his wife, Julia (1924-95), in Sandersville, Georgia. Most of the content deals with Bernard's concern for Julia's health during her pregnancy with their first child, also named Bernard, and his concerns about her financial well-being in his absence. On July 15, 1943, he writes: "Sugar, I don't quite understand the full meaning of a leaking heart and just wonder if it can be fixed. It seems like everything happens to us doesn't it." She apparently is having a difficult pregnancy. He writes December 13, 1943: "I wish wouldn't feel so bad. I know your condition is bringing about all of this and Sugar I'm so sorry for you. I do wish I could be home with you like I am supposed to be. I am only hoping that everything will be OK and now you will be the proudest mother in the world when the kid comes." He writes her again on December 14, but then there is a short gap in the letters until December 27, when he writes about having just seen her at home. It would appear this was an emergency visit as he didn't mention any probability of a leave before this time. He again cautions her to be careful of her health: "I'm certainly looking forward to one little arrival in the next few weeks though and Sugar darling, you must take good care of yourself." In a few of the letters there is also some allusion to their parents' being unhappy with their relationship, perhaps with their decision to marry. "I wrote your mother and I sure hope it will reach her by the first," he wrote August 27, 1943. "I am sorry that it took six months to get a few lines to her but you should have explained to her that I don't write a very pleasing letter. I tried to explain our actions and hope they don't still think hard of me for the way everything turned out. Maybe in years to come I can prove myself anyway." The collection offers insight into the home-front concerns of an enlisted man during the war. Each of the letters is contained in its original mailing envelope and the material is in very good condition. Fifty-nine of the letters are from the USS New Jersey during training in the Atlantic from July 1943 to January 1944. Three letters from the USS Wisconsin are postmarked October 9 and 10, 1944, and one from May 10, 1945.
  • Bookseller Independent bookstores US (US)
  • Book Condition Used
  • Quantity Available 1
  • Keywords World War II, Second World War, Military History, U.S. Navy, Georgia, Americana, Home Front, DEALER-VBF