Diary of Private First Class, James Thomas Burnett, Sr.

The following is a reproduction of the handwritten World War 2 diary of my grandfather, James Thomas Burnett, Sr. The diary runs from January 1942 through October 1942. I want to extend special thanks to my parents, James (JT) Burnett and Kelly Burnett, for digitizing this valuable piece of family history. Some entries contained indecipherable words. In places where the entry was difficult to read, my parents were able to provide an educated guess, typically denoted by a question mark. In cases where this was not possible, underscores were used to represent these unknown words.

January 1942

Thursday, January 1

December 8, the US declared war on Japan. I have been thinking what role I would play in this war. December 26, we were told that our air base is leaving on a long voyage as soon as we get packed up.

Friday, January 2

We are working night and day getting our stuff packed which is quite a lot. By tomorrow we will be packed ready to load on flat cars. No one is allowed to leave the base.

Saturday, January 3

We are working all day to get our trucks loaded. Everyone is restricted to the base, even the officers. There is a big crowd at the gate as everybody is meeting their sweethearts and relatives, the last time, a long time.

Sunday, January 4

We rested Sunday AM. At 1 PM Sunday, we said goodbye to West Palm Beach, loaded on pullman train, leaving under sealed orders. There were large crowds to see us off from Morrison Field past West Palm Beach.

Monday, January 5

We passed through Pensacola this AM and towns of Alabama and along the coast of Mississippi. By night we were in New Orleans. I was on k.p. on the train which was a snap.

Tuesday, January 6

We passed through Arkansas in the night and arrived in Houston early this AM. We got off the train here and had a 10-minute exercise period. Sure was cold outside the train and looks like rain.

Wednesday, January 7

I awoke to find us still in Texas this AM. We passed through El Paso this AM. We rode through New Mexico and Arizona and arrived in Tucson late this afternoon.

Thursday, January 8

We arrived in Los Angeles early this AM. We traveled through valley country of California as well as on the coast. We’ve seen a lot of oil wells drilled in the ocean. We arrived in Frisco late this PM.

Friday, January 9

Last night we hiked from the train to the international livestock pavilion which is a very large building. Our company was assigned to a small portion near the bull ring. We slept nearly all the AM as we were very tired last night. There is a lot of soldiers here.

Saturday, January 10

I went on pass last night to downtown Frisco. Took in the night clubs. This AM we went to the presido to be examined. We had a concert and show by Hollywood actors sponsored by USO Red Cross.

Sunday, January 11

We had church inside the building which we call the cow palace. I took a hike around the building and on the mountain adjoining which has a commanding view of the city. This PM we got our stuff together and loaded on board the SS Mariposa, a luxury liner.

Monday, January 12

Last night we were assigned to state rooms which were very nice. I took a look around the ship which is well armored with cannons and machine guns and also loaded with plane boxes. We sailed at 12 noon, passed under the golden gate bridge.

Tuesday, January 13

Some of the boys were getting seasick last night. I have been lucky as I haven’t been seasick yet and I hope I don’t this time. The sea is calm this AM. There are 7 ships in the convoy besides our ship.

Wednesday, January 14

The sea is rougher this AM and the sky is clear. We are running in a zig zag position southwest. Two of our ships left us. There are 5 ships in the convoy, the Monroe, the President Coolidge, and the Cruiser Phoenix, a destroyer, and our ship.

Thursday, January 15

The sea is still. It is warmer. There is approximately 4000 soldiers on the Mariposa, over 4000 on the Coolidge, including 200 nurses, and 2000 on the Monroe. All ships are blacked out at night. We had a lifeboat drill today.

Friday, January 16

The sea is still rough and some boys are still sea sick. That leaves more chow for the rest of us. Planes are lowered by crane off the Cruiser Phoenix and patrol the area ahead.

Saturday, January 17

The other destroyer left us this AM. The Phoenix was in Pearl Harbor during the bombing but got out in a hurry. We lost an hour today which makes 4 hours difference between here and West Palm Beach.

Sunday, January 18

We had church on board ship. There are rumors we are going to Australia. We passed about 300 miles off the Hawaiian Islands. It is getting warmer as we are getting nearer to the equator.

Monday, January 19

We have seen a couple of ships on the horizon, but evidently, they were friendly ships. I met a kid who plays trumpet. We and a couple of others had a jam session.

Tuesday, January 20

The sea is calm, the sky is overcast. We are still going southwest. We started having physical exercise on the tennis courts. I am getting a suntan and stay in the sun a couple of hours every day. Lost another hour.

Wednesday, January 21

The weather is rough. The sea is rough. It is raining. The chaplain had an amateur show on deck. We won second prize with our jam session. We have to carry our canteens and belts and life preservers everywhere we go.

Thursday, January 22

It is raining this AM. We have good chow and a beautiful dining room to eat in. It is getting very hot as we near the equator. I think everyone is aware of the fact we are in dangerous waters.

Friday, January 23

It sure is getting hot. It’s even hot in the state rooms which are air conditioned. The only place that it is cool, is out on deck which I sleep on frequently. There was a British Cruiser with us today, all painted up like a dragon.

Saturday, January 24

We passed the equator today. Sure is hot. The sea is calm. Just like glass. There is hardly any breeze. The ship is doing 18 knots per hour. The clocks were turned back an hour; makes 4 hours from Frisco.

Sunday, January 25

We had church today. Although we passed the international date line which puts the clocks a full day ahead, which makes today Monday. Which means instead of us being 7 hours behind West Palm Beach, we are 17 hours ahead.

Monday, January 26

It is cooler today as the wind is blowing. I’m still getting a suntan. We’ve seen lots of flying fish. This is one time Monday came next to Saturday. We are still going Southwest.

Tuesday, January 27

It is raining and the waves are quite choppy. Seen lots of flying fish. We seen an Australian sub about 9:30 PM. Passed the Fiji Islands. The planes on the Cruiser patrol the waters every day.

Wednesday, January 28

It is getting cooler every day. We passed by Sydney. We had another amateur show. The chaplain gave out cigarettes as prizes. We also lost another hour. The clocks on the ship are made so when the ship travels ___ the clocks stop??

Thursday, January 29

We are still going southwest. It is nice and cool. About 10 pm we seen a lighthouse blinking far away. The boys and I are having another jam session tonight. We are between Australia and New Zealand.

Friday, January 30

It is plenty cool especially at night. The water is choppy. We hope to land in a couple of days. It seems like ages since I’ve seen land. I’m still getting a suntan.

Saturday, January 31

It is plenty cool now. Still going west. The water is choppy. We lost another hour today making 9 hours difference between West Palm Beach and here, and a day gained less 9 hours. When it is 10 AM Saturday at West Palm Beach, it is 8 PM Friday here. What a world!

February 1942

Sunday, February 1

I was awakened this AM by the shouts, “Land to the starboard side!” I looked out the porthole to see a rugged range of mountains with patrol bombers flying over. Then you can see the mainland to the port side. We arrived in Melbourne Bay at 8 PM.

Monday, February 2

This AM I took a good look at the city through glasses which is a beautiful city. Docked at 10 AM. Entrained, stopped uptown, had lunch. We entrained for Baccus Marsh. Everyone was waving and shouting, “the Yanks are here!” Monday the 2nd we hiked from Baccus Marsh to Camp Darley. Everyone was ready to drop when we got there. Camp Darley is on a high plateau near a ring of mountains.

Tuesday, February 3

We recuperated from the long hike from Baccus Marsh as loss of a lots of sleep. I looked about the camp which has a deep valley west with cattle ranches and orchards of peaches and other fruit all around.

Wednesday, February 4

Three of us hiked into the valley below camp. We stopped at a farmer’s house who invited us in, gave us milk and all kinds of fruit and told us to come again. I’ve never seen so many rabbits in my life.

Thursday, February 5

Some of us went to Baccus Marsh to look over the town abounded in orchards and arbors and gardens. It is summer here but it is cool at night. The days are pleasant. The Aussies like American soldiers very much. Met lots of people.

Friday, February 6

I went to Melbourne. It is about 30 miles from here. I think it is very beautiful. It is a lake city with modern buildings and nice beaches. We went all over town. Met lots of people. Went to a party tonight.

Saturday, February 7

I stayed in camp this AM. Talked to lots of Aussie soldiers. Most of them have brothers fighting in Europe or Libya. I went to a dance this PM in Baccus Marsh which had old ___ and waltzes. An American soldier and I played them new songs.

Sunday, February 8

Stayed at Baccus Marsh all night. Walked in the park with some girls. Some of the boys in the company and I were invited to tea and to church this PM.

Monday, February 9

Went to Melbourne. Met lots of Aussie soldiers and airmen, as well as lots of other people. Had lunch with a radio announcer. I visited all the points of interest, which I was shown with much courtesy.

Tuesday, February 10

We had gas drill and rifle drill. We went down to pay a visit to some of the farmers in the valley. Some of the boys seen a couple of kangaroos.

Wednesday, February 11

We got all our stuff packed ready to move out. I went to Melbourne this PM. There were twice as many girls as boys there. After the dance, some Aussie girls and soldiers invited me to a party.

Thursday, February 12

We got up early. Ate breakfast. We got on the train and went to Melbourne. Everyone was waving goodbye. We boarded the TSS Katoomba. We sailed at noon.

Friday, February 13

We are sailing North of West. It is cool. The water is calm. We left part of the troops that were on the Mariposa in Australia. We have three transports in the convoy: the Taft, the Katoomba, and the Duntroon.

Saturday, February 14

We are still sailing North of West. It is cool and calm. We still have the cruisers with us. We have a freighter, the Seawitch which was built in Tampa, FL. I am a machine gunner in one of the machine gun nests on the ships.

Sunday, February 15

I went to church in the first-class lounge. Our company sleeps in hammocks up on deck. We have the same air base and company attached as in West Palm Beach, on ship. I was Machine Gunner from 4 to 9 AM. We lost another hour.

Monday, February 16

The sea is rough. It is cold every AM in the machine gun nest. We passed a couple of ships. The cruiser made a beeline for them so they must have been allied ships. Our destination is supposed to be Java.

Tuesday, February 17

We have a couple of good piano players on board. We are having a jam session tonight as we have a piano on board. We were warned about careless talk in port as we are in dangerous waters. I’m getting browner every day.

Wednesday, February 18

We lost another hour. We are going North. It is still cool. Seen lots of flying fish. We sighted land at 9 am. We docked in Fremantle, Western Australia, at 12 noon. Went ashore this pm. Went to Perth which is about 12 miles away. It’s a very nice city.

Thursday, February 19

We went ashore again. I was invited to a party by a girl I met last night. The people are enthusiastic over the American soldiers and just as nice as they were at Melbourne. The report came out this AM that Darwin Australia was bombed.

Friday, February 20

I awoke to find our ship was moving out in mid harbor so another ship could come in. The port of Fremantle is small and usually there is ships outside waiting their turn to come into port.

Saturday, February 21

Our boat is still anchored in the harbor. The aircraft carrier Langley which came in yesterday, is being loaded with p40 planes assembled. Our ship is being loaded with water and food supplies.

Sunday, February 22

The ACC Langley made preparations for leaving. We are all puzzled as to where it is going. It sailed at 11 a.m. We pulled anchor and sailed at 1:00 pm. We still have the three transports, the Cruiser Phoenix, the Seawitch and the Langley. We also have an Australian…? Cruiser.

Monday, February 23

We are sailing Northwest. The sea is choppy. We’ve seen large schools of porpoise and other fish. They would come out of the water just ahead of the ship. The aircraft carrier Langley and the Seawitch left us.

Tuesday, February 24

We’re still going North of West. It is getting warmer every day as we get nearer the equator. We had an amateur show. Our company as well as the other outfits are carrying on a number of classes on guns, ammunition, bombs and related subjects.

Wednesday, February 25

We had first aid class. Also, classes on infantry tactics. We had boxing and wrestling matches this PM. The food on the boat is quite different to what we are used to as this is an Australian boat.

Thursday, February 26

It is getting hotter every day. The flying fish are everywhere. We had classes on gas, bombs, and their components. Everybody is wondering where the ACC Langley is going.

Friday, February 27

Our company had classes on rifles, and their nomenclature, and gas school. We’re having a quiz program tonight. We have our short-wave radio set up so we can get broadcasts from London on the war.

Saturday, February 28

Classes were continued on machine guns functioning. I think our destination has been changed a couple of times.

March 1942

Sunday, March 1

Church services were held in the first-class lounge. We also had a bible class conducted by Chaplain Michael, an Australian Officer. Lost an hour today.

Monday, March 2

We passed the equator today – the second time. As a tradition on the ship, the crew produces a program. King Neptune and his Pirates. Through their court, they try any victim who is at hand and wants to go through the motions of showing…????

Tuesday, March 3

We had classes on machine guns and rifles and on different departure mounts of the ordinance. Still going NW. Still calm. In the afternoon we had wrestling and boxing matches.

Wednesday, March 4

We lost another hour today as the clock stopped and started an hour later. It is warm. We had classes of all kinds. We are having another amateur show this PM.

Thursday, March 5

I awoke to find that we were going due East. I seen some very high mountains before the sun rose which was directly behind them. The sun rays were coming up behind them which was very beautiful. They disappeared after the sun rose and I did not see them again.

Friday, March 6

We sighted land yesterday at 10 am. We anchored outside the port of Colombo on Ceylon. There were lots of ships, all kinds around us. We pulled into port last night as we had to wait for an opening. There were lots of ships of the British Navy in port.

Saturday, March 7

We found that we couldn’t go ashore yesterday as there is a lot of cholera in the city and we are not inoculated for it. There are ships with evacuees from Java. I took a good look through field glasses at the thick palm lined beach and mountains in the distance.

Sunday, March 8

We sailed yesterday at 1 pm. Church was conducted by Chaplain Michael. We also had a bible class conducted by a chaplain this PM. We still have 3 transports and the Cruiser Phoenix.

Monday, March 9

We are still going West. It is still warm. The flying fish are still plentiful. We are told that we are going to India and to watch our talk and not to sell anything that might impersonate us.

Tuesday, March 10

We passed Bombay today. Our cruiser left us but we have a British Cruiser in exchange. We’re going NW.

Wednesday, March 11

We are going due North today. The sea is choppy. There is a brisk breeze. We are expecting to land in a couple of days. We are half way around the world.

Thursday, March 12

Going almost due North. The clock stopped again the last time before landing.

Friday, March 13

We landed in Port Karachi at 10 am. I’ve never seen so many fishing boats in my life. We were allowed to go ashore but stay in the vicinity of west wharf.

Saturday, March 14

Our ship is being unloaded. The cargo includes our own equipment, food, bombs, and ammunition. Part of us were allowed to go ashore while the rest of us inspected the unloading of the ship.

Sunday, March 15

We debarked this AM and moved to the Karachi rest camp. This is desert country here. At the edge of the Sindh Desert, the water is piped 60 miles. Part of the city is very beautiful.

Monday, March 16

We loafed around camp and put it in shape. Part of the city, which is on a hill, can be seen from the camp. It has many picture-some temples.

Tuesday, March 17

We started on a big job of unloading all the bombs and ammunition, and getting ammunition dump in shape. I never knew there could be so many bombs on three ships.

Wednesday, March 18

We started on the first train load of bombs. We have the natives do the work and we show them how and where to put them. It’s quite a job.

Thursday, March 19

We are still unloading bombs. We got a confirmed report that the aircraft carrier Langley, which was with us, sunk.

Friday, March 20

I stayed in today as I didn’t feel very well. I talked to a couple of English soldiers who evacuated from Dover. They said that some of the ships in port pulled out without a supply of fuel and water and had to be towed.

Saturday, March 21

We are still unloading bombs. The bomb dump is just across the railroad tracks from the Indian soldiers’ hospital. Soldiers come in wounded nearly everyday from the Libyan front.

Sunday, March 22

We loafed around camp. The city of Bombay is overcrowded with refugees from ships from Malaysia, Java and Burma.

Monday, March 23

We finished unloading the bombs and ammunition and completed our ammunition dump. We also started loading ammunition on a train for an unknown destination.

Tuesday, March 24

Most of the company and squadrons are at the Kirachi Air Base about 10 miles from here. The 35th Interceptor Squadron is here. About 30 of their men were on the ACC Langley.

Wednesday, March 25

We moved to the Kirachi Airport which is going to be the airbase and is plenty big. We moved into the big hanger where the 54th is assembling planes. We are fusing and loading 6 B-17s with bombs for Rangoon.

Thursday, March 26

I slept this AM as I had been working on the planes nearly all night. The bombers took off early this AM. I took a good look around the air base this PM.

Friday, March 27

We loafed around the hangar. There are a lot of different kinds of birds flying around the super structure at the top.

Saturday, March 28

We moved some bombs and ammunition from the bomb dump to the air base.

Sunday, March 29

I stayed in around the hangar. We had church in the hangar.

Monday, March 30

I got a pass to go to town for the first time since being in India. Traveled around town. Seen the picture “One Night In Lisban”. Good ice cream is rare here as the Indians don’t know how to make it.

Tuesday, March 31

I got up this AM feeling bad. We loaded bombs for a whole squadron of bombers this AM. This PM I had chills and a fever so I had to be taken to the hospital. We have to be very careful about what we eat in town and the water we drink as we are subject to catch many illnesses and diseases.

April 1942

Wednesday, April 1

I felt bad all day. Sweated a lot. The American hospital is not finished yet. All American soldiers are put into the British hospital. They are nice inside.

Thursday, April 2

I feel a little better today. I am on a diet of soup and tea and jello. The nurses are very nice. I seen some soldiers who were wounded on the Lybian front. The bombers we loaded scored a direct hit on a cruiser in Rangoon.

Friday, April 3

I feel very hungry and weak. They put me on a regular diet. Two of the bombers that bombed Rangoon, crashed. One of them cracked up on the takeoff to Calcutta. The other ran out of gas coming back, and the crew bailed out.

Saturday, April 4

Feel better, still weak and hungry. Always yelling at the nurses for something to eat. Had one of the natives go out and get some pineapple.

Sunday, April 5

I feel good today. Read all the detective stories I could find. The report came in that Columbo Salon was bombed, six days after we left it. Monday, April 6 I talked to some nurses about the US and England. They were from England and Scotland. I had my records which I had brought from the states. Brought up and played for the patients.

Tuesday, April 7

I got out of the hospital after going through a bunch of red tape which the British are noted for. Had a time finding my company which had moved.

Wednesday, April 8

Was on the line this AM, loaded two bombers with 100 lb bombs and snake bombs. At noon we moved out of the big hanger into tents in the airbase area.

Thursday, April 9

We completed our new kitchen which is made of airplane crates. The chow is good considering where we are at. I went to town this pm. Bought some souvenirs.

Friday, April 10

We worked on our air raid trenches which might come in handy as you never can tell where the japs will strike next.

Saturday, April 11

We finished our air raid trenches by our tents. The base is preparing fast for the event of an air raid.

Sunday, April 12

Everything is quiet as most of the planes are out on missions. The number of planes here is growing fast as more bombers are flown in and more fighters are assembled.

Monday, April 13

They are inspecting the planes more.

Tuesday, April 14

It is dusty today which makes me very unhappy. It makes a good camouflage for the airbase.

Wednesday, April 15

It is very dusty today. It is so dusty you can’t see the big hanger, which is 25? ft. high and a half a mile long. You get dirt in your shoes and dirt in your eyes.

Thursday, April 16

It is not so dusty today. Another plane cracked up today, but was not very serious as the landing gear collapsed after it landed and it skidded.

Friday, April 17

Today is a day I will never forget. I was on the line at the airbase Karachi. We are looking over the hanger when we seen a p43 coming in. There were streaks of fire behind it. The pilot had it under control til a 100 feet off the ground. With an explosion, the plane burst into flames. The pilot jumped out but was too late. It hit the ground with a dull explosion. The test pilot was testing it. He could have saved himself but he tried to bring it in and almost done it.

Sunday, April 19

I went to town. We found an English restaurant where you can buy real ice cream which is something in India. We also went to the Zoo Gardens which is very beautiful as well as interesting.

Monday, April 20

I loafed around camp this AM. Went on the line this PM working into the night. Another plane cracked up, fell in the ocean. The pilot jumped out.

Tuesday, April 21

I loafed around camp this AM. Linked some ammunition also loaded some bombers with 300 lb. bombs. Another plane cracked up on the field as the landing gear collapsed. Part of it can be salvaged.

Wednesday, April 22

We unloaded some 100 lb. bombs at the back of the field where they can be loaded daily as the bombers can drive over the piles.

Thursday, April 23

I was going to breakfast I looked up at some P40s that took off over our tents. Suddenly the 4th one burst into flames. The pilot nosed it up to gain altitude. Turned it over and fell out. His parachute opened instantly.

Friday, April 24

Went on guard at the ammunition dump.

Saturday, April 25

Went to town. Took some pictures. Bought some souvenirs.

Sunday, April 26

Another B 17 cracked up. The crew bailed out. The pilot brought it down for a crash landing. The pilot and the crew were saved. It crashed in the country where it can’t be moved. The instruments will be taken off and the rest blown up.

Monday, April 27

I went to town. Met some seamen from a ship that had just come in. They were in the Japanese raid on Columbo. They told us about how brave the Americans were and how many Jap planes they shot down.

Tuesday, April 28

Went on the line. Loaded some bombers. Most of the planes being assembled are for CDS China defense.

Wednesday, April 29

Linked and loaded ammunition for bombers. Since we’ve been here there has been 15 planes cracked up: (6) P-40s; (5) P-43s; and (4) B-17s. Five pilots and a whole bomber crew were lost. Part of the planes can be salvaged or repaired.

Thursday, April 30

A group of P-43s left for China. They were all flown by Chinese pilots.

May 1942

Friday, May 1

Some English officers and men and women put on a show for the 51st air base and it was bloody.

Saturday, May 2

Two of the boys in our company and I went fishing in the ocean about 20 miles from here. There were many beautiful islands surrounding us.

Sunday, May 3

Went to church.

Monday, May 4

We got a report that Tokyo was bombed by American planes flying at low altitudes very fast. The US hasn’t confirmed it.

Tuesday, May 5

A bunch of A 20 G came in. They are already assembled accept part of the wings and props.

Wednesday, May 6

The material ? are already at work assembling these planes. Today is payday.

Thursday, May 7

We went fishing again today. The sailboats we got out in are very crude. They are the outrigger type built by the Indians.

Friday, May 8

We loaded B24s for Rangoon

Saturday, May 9

There was a train hold up here today by the __, a bunch of Indians. In their religion they feel justifiable in doing such things.

Sunday, May 10

We got news of a battle raging in the Coral Sea. Our Navy sunk approximately 18 ships including two air craft carriers. Our Army also took party with bombers operating from Port Morsby from Australia. Our losses were slight.

Monday, May 11

More reports came in about the Coral Sea Battle. Stated that it was a total victory over the Japs. Such things as this is what brings our morale up.

Tuesday, May 12

The Chinese are still fighting desperately in Burma which we hope we can hold.

Wednesday, May 13

Quite a number of P 66 came up which will be on the assembly line shortly.

Thursday, May 14

The US is establishing air bases in all strategic positions in India such as Delhi, Dum Dum, Alahabad, etc.

Friday, May 15

A P40 cracked up near here today. He went into a power dive and never came out and blacked out.

Saturday, May 16

A convoy of US soldiers and supplies came in today. They were Air Force and combat troops.

Sunday, May 17

The command ferry has set up a permanent station here with shops, equipment for repairing transports. There are always from 10-20 army transport planes here.

Monday, May 18

The Ferry Command has two or three squadrons of men working night and day on transport stratoliners

Tuesday, May 19

Some B 25s flew in today from the states. About 20 of them. This is a very fast bomber. The kind that bombed Tokyo.

Wednesday, May 20

About 40 P40e flew in from South Africa.

Thursday, May 21

There’s plenty of planes here. They wake us up every morning as they all take off over our tents.

Friday, May 22

Some transports came in with mail.

Saturday, May 23

We loaded some bombers today. Some of the A 20 C are being tested. There will be 15 in all when assembled.

Sunday, May 24

A bunch of us boys who have been playing together, played for the Royal Air Force PX

Monday, May 25

A trainload of P 23s came in.

Tuesday, May 26

Most of the B25s left today for China. They went with the reconnaissance squad.

Wednesday, May 27

We got mail from the states on one of the strateliners.

Thursday, May 28

The airbase is playing an important part in the war against the Japs as this is one of the main supply lines to China and the only place where planes are sent to China.

Friday, May 29

Went on pass today. Some more P43s came in on the train from the docks(?) The assembly crew are doing a swell job in the big hanger.

Saturday, May 30

Went on the line. Loaded some 500 lb. bombs and incendiaries on some ferry command transports for China. We had fried turtle. We went turtle hunting and caught a 400 lb. sea turtle.

Sunday, May 31

We got paid today.

June 1942

Monday, June 1

I went to town and seen the picture, It Happened In Calenti.(or In Caliente?)

Tuesday, June 2

Went on the line. Loaded a couple of bombers.

Wednesday, June 3

Worked in the warehouse. Broke down some machine guns that were in the planes that cracked up. They were a mess.

Thursday, June 4

Some more planes came in. Also a trainload of tanks. As well as a lot of other equipment. A big convoy came in today. There were a couple of refugee ships in it. Most of them were Polish.

Friday, June 5

Went on KP. We make ice cream every day for a week.

Saturday, June 6

Still on KP. I’m getting a suntan staying out in the sun all day.

Wednesday, June 10

The airfield here is being enlarged to accommodate never ending stream of transports and bombers. A runway also started from the big runway to the field.

Thursday, June 11

The water shortage is getting serious. Sometimes we have to wait until 10 or 11 pm to take a shower. Rain is expected here next month.

Friday, June 12

Came off KP today. Went to town. Played in an orchestra in our new service club.

Saturday, June 13

Some more mail came in by plane from the states. Sure is hot. 130 degrees outside.

Sunday, June 14

I went on the range. Shot at 200 yards.

Monday, June 15

Pretty hot today. It was 116 in the shade.

Tuesday, June 16

The monsoon winds have set in and it looks like we are going to have plenty of sand and dust.

Wednesday, June 17

Went on the range this AM. I made 5 bullseyes out of 5. The wind was still which made it hotter than usual.

Thursday, June 18

The wind is blowing pretty hard today. Some of the boys in the airbase are leaving for China and ports of India.

Friday, June 19

Went on KP. The KP force made a batch of ice cream. The ice cream we make is a lot better than what the Indians make as they are just learning to make it the American way.

Saturday, June 20

Went on the range early this AM. Made a good score considering the wind velocity.

Monday, June 29

The first group of American soldiers are leaving soon for the rest camp which is high up in the Himalayan mountains.

July 1942

Wednesday, July 1

A convoy of American soldiers went into port but orders were changed which sent them to Egypt. Some of the boys left for the rest camp in North India.

Thursday, July 2

We got paid today. There are rumors of an uprising of the Muslims and the Hindus instigated by the Japs. Some blame Mahatma Ghandi. Others blame the Huns (?)

Sunday, July 5

Some of the boys in our company left on detached service at Bangalore. We carry our guns and gas masks wherever we go as an uprising already started near Delhi, is expected here.

Monday, July 6

It is cloudy today. Nice and cool. The Indians say it will rain soon. Everybody is getting prepared for it putting dunnage under the plane crates which is scattered all around the base.

Tuesday, July 7

I am off today. Took pictures this PM. It is cloudy. Looks like rain. It is raining steady. It sure is something for a place that hasn’t rained in two years.

Wednesday, July 8

An A20, which has first been assembled here, started to take off, hit a soft spot caused by the rain. It nosed over. Bent the props. Damaged the plane. But didn’t hurt anyone.

Thursday, July 9

A number of A20s are leaving for Russia today. It is nice here. Grass is growing everywhere since the rain.

Friday, July 10

Went on KP today. It started to rain again. The hardest rain we’ve seen in a long time. It rained all day.

Saturday, July 11

It was raining all day. Bridges were washed out on the tracks and trains were held up. Went to town this PM. Played in an orchestra at the dance at the soldiers club.

Sunday, July 12

It is raining today. The grass is coming out everywhere. It looks good. Everything looks different. Our tents are bleached white. I took some more pictures today.

Monday, July 13

Went on the line today. Inspected our bombs to see that they were not damaged by the flood. Issued out lots of ammunition and machine guns to different detachments which are leaving for the front in China.

Tuesday, July 14

I am off today.

Wednesday, July 15

We have to guard everything now that the whole place is under Marshal law. I am on the line putting dunnage under the bombs.

Thursday, July 16

At 2:45 it started raining, George and I was out in it. It felt so good we decided to stay in it. In an hour, water was everywhere. Our tents were flooded. We took pictures.

Friday, July 17

This AM it was still raining, but stopped. Cars were stalled and stuck everywhere. Planes couldn’t take off. Water was knee deep in Karachi.

Saturday, July 18

We started making our new bomb dump which as at the back of the field. The piles are camouflaged.

Tuesday, July 21

A convoy including the Mariposa came in today with about 6K US soldiers as well as food and supplies.

Wednesday, July 22

I am on warehouse guard tonight. Everything is guarded now as an Indian uprising is expected.

Thursday, July 23

The troops and supply from the convoy is being moved here at the airbase as well as the Malir Cantonment – the largest in the world.

Friday, July 24

On KP today again. We really have a line up of men at the mess hall. Since the photo squadron is eating with us the HQ 51st airbase is eating with us until their new mess hall is finished.

Friday, July 31

We got paid today. I went to town. Met a soldier that I knew in the Hawaiian Islands. Everything is running here at the airbase. Planes are being assembled at top speed and being sent out in large orders to China and Russia.

August 1942

Saturday, August 1

We fixed up a lot of ammunition for planes going to China. Some of the boys got letters from the boys that moved up from Chung Ming China.

Sunday, August 2

Went to church tonight. Heard a good sermon preached by an army chaplain.

Monday, August 3

We loaded another bunch of ammunition for China. Mail came in today.

Tuesday, August 4

There are 14 A29s came in today. They are a combination transport and bomber type plane. They are there to be serviced and then they are leaving for Russia. We got mail today.

Wednesday, August 5

Everyone is wondering what will be the outcome of India congress. We had a lecture today in case of an uprising. Some think it will affect us. It rained this PM and almost all night.

Thursday, August 6

The monsoon wind is really blowing. Looks like our tents are going to take a beating. Hardest yet.

Friday, August 7

The boys from the rest camp are expected back today. They have been held up a week on account of floods. Wash outs on the railroad. On guard tonight.

Saturday, August 8

I went to town today. But most of the stores are closed on account of the shake up in congress. We have guards everywhere now that trouble has arose in certain areas in India.

Sunday, August 9

Mahatma Ghandi, the most powerful man among the Indians, was jailed today. There has been quite some disturbances in the Karachi area. The Indian police went on strike.

Monday, August 10

There is still more trouble in India as the fight in Congress goes on for India’s freedom. Mahatma Ghandi will probably go on another hunger strike. All American soldiers are restricted from Karachi until later.

Tuesday, August 11

I am working in the warehouse cleaning tommy guns. Most of the new soldiers here are armed with tommy guns.

Wednesday, August 12

I talked to a lt. who was navigator on one of the bombers that bombed Tokyo. He said they came over the city very fast and didn’t meet with any resistance at all.

Thursday, August 13

We loaded bombs on a B 25 for patrolling the coast.

Friday, August 14

Nearly all the bombers that bombed Tokyo, we lost. They were forced down in a storm.

Saturday, August 15

The restriction from Karachi was raised as everything is calming down. I am going to town to take a look at the damage done.

Sunday, August 16

I went to church tonight. Also seen a movie that was put on for us. We also get the command performance from the USO from the soldiers abroad.

Tuesday, August 18

We are putting floors in the tents now that there’s plenty of lumber from the plane crates. Every thing is being built with them, from the radio room shops down to supply rooms.

Wednesday, August 19

A lot of mail came in today. Our mail service is getting better every day. We are also sending and receiving the new V mail photo letters.

Thursday, August 20

A plane cracked up this AM. A p66 and a Chinese pilot. He under shot the field, hit the top of a camouflaged bomber shack, banked to the right, the engine hit the ground first, and snapped it completely off 20 feet from the plane. The pilot wasn’t hurt.

Friday, August 21

I witnessed the most spectacular and horrible thing I’ve ever seen. A test pilot in a P 66 was doing everything that could be done with a plane, flying 5 feet off the ground and doing 90 degree banks, one after another. He done a steep bank very low. He lost altitude. He struck the 51st P outdoor movie screen, hit three tents and tore them down, skidded into a gulley. The plane caught fire. Some shouted for help but no one could rescue him as the plane was in a gulch of fire. He was burned up terrible.

Saturday, August 22

Was on guard duty last night and off today.

Sunday, August 23

Went to see the dentist this AM to have a tooth filled. I was talking to the dentist who was a captain in the Army about the plane that was cracked up and burned and he said he would still rather be a dentist.

Monday, August 24

Some more boats came in with supplies for the PX as well as planes and a little of everything else. The airbase as a whole is really improving as more equipment comes in as more buildings and roads are finished.

Tuesday, August 25

Pulled guard duty last night. I am off today. The Americans land on Soloman Islands and is the highlight of the Americans today. All the soldiers were enthused about the soldiers making a landing in France.

Wednesday, August 26

The NAT squadrons are really working down at the big hangar. They have 18 p40s to assemble by next week. They’re also putting out a lot of P66s. All around the balloon hangar is a honeycomb of airplanes and boxes unassembled.

Thursday, August 27

I was on ammunition detail today while out at the bomb dump, we found an iguana, the largest and first I’ve ever seen. We took pictures of him. We delivered some ammunition to some planes going to China.

Friday, August 28

I worked on our new supply room today. Went to town this afternoon. I am on charge of quarters tonight.

Saturday, August 29

We got news that one of the boys named king, died just after arriving at the rest camp, up in the mountains. He died from over exhaustion as the camp is high up.

Sunday, August 30

The planes scheduled to leave for China are about completed and will move out soon.

Monday, August 31

Today is payday.

September 1942

Tuesday, September 1

We have a large order of rifles to clean. They’re cleaned and issued out to different branches of service.

Wednesday, September 2

We are still cleaning rifles. We take them apart. Put them in boiling water which takes the grease off of them.

Saturday, September 5

___ and I went to town today. Seen the picture, “Louisiana Purchase.”

Sunday, September 6

The dentist who has been treating sores in my mouth for quite some time decided to put me in the hospital today.

Monday, September 7

I was moved to the hospital at Malir yesterday. I am on the old famous liquid diet. I feel like a fugitive from the graveyard.

Tuesday, September 8

I feel ok. A little weak. I was given two blood tests. The doctor asked about the history of my life. Also had a couple of other tests.

Wednesday, September 9

The 51st fighter control squadron and detachments moved out today for China. Sure was a bunch of planes that left. I was put on soft diet today.

Thursday, September 10

I am feeling better. The doctors diagnosed my case as complicated.

Friday, September 11

Some of the boys came up to see me. They were telling me about a real disaster. Two groups of planes were taking off over our tents. One of them was almost under another. The first hit an air pocket, was forced up and crashed into the tail of the second plane. They were about 800 feet up. The first caught fire and crashed across a gulch from the tents. The second managed to land. Tail was damaged.

Saturday, September 12

I am on a diet of certain specialized things, as they are experimenting on me.

Sunday, September 13

Went to church today. There was a show put on for us. Some new B25s came in today from the states.

Monday, September 14 – Wednesday, September 16

A friend of mine who came to see me told me of a most miraculous incident. One of the B25s coming in radioed the control tower that one of the landing wheels were stuck. They were given orders to bail out. They refused saying they had brought it from the states and he wasn’t going to leave it. He circled the field for one hour. Put all the baggage on the other side. Came in low and fast. Landed on the tricycle and right wheel. Started making a circle to the right. He was still going quite fast. It went in ? to some P40s and stopped about 15 feet from P4s. He landed it without loss of life and slight damage to one wing and prop.

Thursday, September 17

I am still on this crazy diet. I have my guitar here. I serenade the patients and the nurses.

Friday, September 18

I have been getting shots, also Vitamin C pills. Some of the patients and nurses and I had a song session.

Saturday, September 19

Some of the boys in the company came up to see me today. They were carrying a load of bombs to some bombers at the new airfield near here. The bombers can be seen taking off from here.

Sunday, September 20

A bunch of us went to church. The church is only a shed with benches in it but it serves the purpose.

Monday, September 21

I have new sores in my mouth. I am on a new diet of milk, soups, vegetables and fruits. No meat, tomatoes or acids.

Tuesday, September 22

I’m getting a lot of practice on my guitar.

Sunday, September 27

Two nurses and some fellow patients and I went to church this AM. It was a very good sermon and I think everyone was glad they went.

Monday, September 28

The picture, Kings Row, which was to be shown to us patients, was not shown, as the curtain was messed up. I started on a new diet of oatmeal, grapefruit and coffee for breakfast, and chicken, spuds and beans for dinner.

Tuesday, September 29

The 22nd bomber squadron bombed a Jap ship and sunk it. It was only about 20 miles out in the Indian Ocean. A group of negro soldiers and their band are putting on a show for us.

Wednesday, September 30

Today is payday

October 1942

Thursday, October 1

My first sergeant came up to the hospital to see me and some other fellows in the company, that are in the hospital.

Friday, October2

Quite a number of B24s flew in from the states. It is gradually getting cooler here.

Sunday, October 11

Seen the picture, Dangerously We Live.

Saturday, October 17

Quite a few new patients

Sunday, October 18

I went to church this AM. The chaplain, which is liked by all, is leaving by boat, for points unknown. Seen the picture, Saboteur.

Wednesday, October 22

A friend of mine in this ward left this AM to go on board a ship for the US.