Photoplay (Jan - Jun 1943)

When the Jerries flew over, as they did several times in an hour, the Tommies gave them a warm reception. Tonight the owner of the farm where we have headquarters gave us a wonderful dinner: roast turkey, potatoes, home-made brown bread and good Algerian brandy. Thanksgiving, after all. This is the first time I have not been with my wife and the children on this day. I think of them constantly. November 27th. With the exception of a dogfight right above us in which a Spit got the better of a Jerry, we had an uneventful day. One of the boys digs down in his musette bag and comes up with a package from home — a package he has skillfully guarded until now — homemade fudge. He passes it around bravely, and although we feel like criminals, we can't resist the temptation. Whenever you ask a Britisher about the results of a battle or of a particular incident connected with combat, he will invariably reply: "Good show." No matter if the going has been tough and bitter, no matter if he has just flirted with death or come a cropper, it is always: "Good show." The Yanks were quick to appreciate this typical example of British understatement and now it has become a favorite expression. November 23th. Up at dawn, and it is freezing. Just as the sun came out and the convoys on the road started to move, we saw an amazing and most disturbing sight. Two Messerschmitts were actually chasing four Spitfires. There was no mistaking it. The Spits were going as fast as they could with the Nazis right on their tail. Not once did they turn to fight. We were a most discouraged group as we watched it. It was not until later in the afternoon that I heard the lowdown. The Spits were without ammunition, and, furthermore, they had gone into the air without a bullet among the four of them hoping to keep the enemy engaged and away from the convoys on the roads below. Tonight after dinner we drank a tall one to the RAF. You cannot possibly appreciate what good food means to soldiers in the field. If you can look forward to a full mess kit, then you will very quickly find yourself taking everything else in stride. I notice that the boys always come back with a bounce after we have eaten well. Food may not win this war, but it will go a long way toward it. When I think of what I have wasted at home I feel a little ashamed of myself. November 29th. "Good show." The tire collapsed at a railroad junction. As we stopped to fix it, I was amazed to see Colonel (secret) in a jeep coming in the opposite direction. I flagged him and learned that General Eisenhower and General Clark were in the following car on their way to an important conference. I had a most enjoyable chat with the Generals. They were particularly interested in the spirit and morale of the American soldiers with whom I have been in contact. After all, these boys are meeting the enemy for the first time. They (the Generals) have nothing to worry about on this score. The boys have been well trained; they know their job, they are eager to get at it. December 1st. Jerry has no idea what is in store for him. For six hours we have passed convoy after convoy of American soldiers, guns and LINNY Meeti. the. Almy! n <f%#UL O STRIP WITHOUT TEASE. No cling. No bind. Off and on in a jiffy when dresses and slips arc Linit-starched. And that's important when your Public is waiting. EENY— MEENY— MINY— MO! No other way to make a choice — they all look so nice. Even the old dresses have kept their store-fresh look, thanks to Linit. BRING ON THE ARMY! THE NAVY! THE MARINES! Linny will dance them all oft' their feet with never a Linit-starched ruffle out of place. CLOSE UP THE RANKS, SOLDIER! That dainty blouse won't muss as easily as you think. Linit penetrates the fabric. Doesn't just coat the surface like old-fashioned starch. LINNY says: Anything washable wi look better and last longer if you use Linit. Takes only a minute more in the washing and saves many minutes in the ironing. ALL GROCERS SELL LINIT 85