Dec. 12
England
Dear Mary,
Had a pass the other day - managed to locate
Bill's where abouts and had a nice visit with him. As usual, he acts as
though there were ants in his pants, but I guess he had a reason. A couple
of days before he was forced down in Belgium on an emergency landing field;
says there are huge mosquitoes over Germany since the Luftwoffe has been
wiped out - the insects have cannon too. We had an all night bull session
- he was on duty - watched orders come in to bomb Germany. I visited
London too - saw some of the sights - the Palace of George, House of Parliament
- 'tis interesting to see some of the things you merely read about.
Really appreciated the 2 vmail letters
you wrote - Am eager to learn how J. Foote is progressing, and have you
regained the girlish figure? Hope your Christmas is a merry one, and that
the husband doesn't get disgustingly drunk.
Love to all,
Jimmie
Dec. 28
England
Dear Mary,
Have just had the merry Christmas, but of
course wish to heck I was home. One friend and I had a real good
dinner in an English home - 3 old women were our hostesses, fed us well
and gabbed so that my ears are still ringing.
Went to see Bill again a few days ago - he's
in good health and fairly good spirits - only 3 more missions to go at
the time - he's undoubtedly done more lately. For curiosity's sake I ask
some Rut's what kind of guy he is, and they seem to like him O.K.
Not many asses return from combat - they change. I sacked brother
- took some clothes and cash and went to London where I dated a doll -
Took her home only to find mom and Pop willing to set up as long as I,
I am still a good boy. The main square, Piccadilly is sin itself
at night. Street walkers abound - there must have been a hundred,
but I am only a casual onlooker.
Got your letter of Dec. 15 in which the husband
was prematurely consuming the X'mas cheer, and the baby was bawling as
you wrote. How are Gerard's relations with his draft board?
Sure hope he doesn't get caught. Sure am enjoying the letters from
you - the Vmail gets here pretty quick only 2 weeks. The loved one
writes of affection, so I am happy. Hope the kids had a good Christmas.
Love to all,
Jimmie
Newspaper clipping in envelope with V-Mail: James F. Scott has
been promoted from Private First Class to Sergeant. He is in England
and has been to see his brother Capt. Bill Scott on two occasions.
The following V-Mail letters:
To: Mrs. G. M. Foote, Roff, Kentucky
From: Sgt. James F. Scott 15306047 Co.E, 271st INF. APO#417 % P. M.,
N.Y., N.Y.
Jan. 13, 1945
England
Dear Mary,
Don't remember whether I wrote you last week or
last month - anyway I went to see Bill twice and he to see me once. He's
only a little bit flak happy - combat has made him sober - guess you've
heard his couplet:
I tho't I wanted wings 'Til I got the G. D. things,
Distinguished flying crosses don't compensate for losses -
Want my hand around a bottle - and not around a throttle - etc.
end of quote.
Mom says we're kin to the king, but I'm afraid he
doesn't know this so I haven't visited them yet.
Am getting accustomed to England some what, but
the damn fools drive on the left side of the road, and steering wheels
are on the wrong side of cars and I beat my head against the nearest wall
when I see what looks like a driverless car dashing down the street.
According to British newspapers, Britain alone is most of the show just
as our papers hardly mention the limeys. The girls are now appearing
eligible to my critical eye - guess I'm getting hard up.
Glad to hear news of the namesake - God forbid that
he look like his Uncle. Whenever he passes the stage wherein all
babies look alike, please send a picture - was tickled to get the one of
Ed, Phil & Maude. Enjoy hearing from you regularly - don't see
how you do it - am surprised that you aren't living in a shoe, prolific
one.
Your X'mas sounded good -guess I wasn't a
good boy. However, Bill unwillingly furnished L5 [ed. note: 5 pounds]
which I blew in London. Read in the weekly wiper that your old bean
is wed - guess you're heartbroken. How's Gerry?
Lots of luff,
Jimmie
Jan. 25, 1945
France
Dear Mary,
Am looking for Lafayette to tell him I'm here
- guess he's still around but can't find us in this hay loft - the present
home. Managed to sleep warmly last night by utilizing an inner spring
mattress the Beche forgot to tear up and using 6 wool blankets for cover
- wish it could last. Your husband would probably like the French
existence - they drink no water - not even the children drink it.
"Not good for the stomach" they say.
The retreating Germans must have taken the young
femmes with them - doesn't seem to be many left. However there was
one left behind who raised her skirt to a passing convoy causing extensive
damage. There are more signs of war here - the Germans looted a lot
- took citizens back to use as labor. The damage in places is almost
unbelievable - it's pretty rough in the population.
I called Bill a few days before leaving -
he has only 2 or 3 more missions, but doesn't think that Doolittle will
let him go home for some time. Am getting lots of letters but
no packages - will take the liberty to ask for one. Please send a
bag of food - anything. Glad to hear of the kids.
Love to all,
Jimmie
Feb. 14, 1945
Germany
Dear Mary,
Am allowed only to say that I'm in Germany.
Having a fine time - wish you were here, and all that. The food situation
is indeed deplorable think I'll ask Bill to drop a few cans of beans the
next time he comes this way.
Got a letter from you while in Belgium
- glad to get it. Don't see how the kids do the farm work at their age.
Tell them uncle drinks the modern milk which is powdered - you take one
drink - spit it out, and swear profusely.
Did the same school teacher return - to Roff?
You never did tell me. I ain't doin so well with the favorite so
am looking for anything.
I'll write more when the censorship relaxes.
Can't even think of any bull to write. Hope you're O.K.
Love
Jim