We really noticed the cold having
been in California. We all bought coonskin hats to keep our heads
warm. We were fortunate in the Air Corps be able to wear almost
anything without being out of uniform. I had a chance to get into New
York City with Neil Ullo for a few hours. It was not enough time to
get to see much ... just enough time to eat and buy Lettie a watch.
Chapter 6 England and Missions
After a few days at Camp Kilmer we were moved out to board ship in the
middle of the night. All I can remember is going up a very wide
gangplank into a big black opening about 20 foot square in the side of
the ship. The U.S.O. girls were there passing out coffee and doughnuts
and I think there was a band playing. The ship was the Queen
Elizabeth, owned and operated by the English, and there were thousands
of us on this trip. I believe there were about 12,000 troops and a
crew of 1,700 on the ship, but am not certain of the figure. We sailed
at night and by daylight we were at sea. I will note that we never did
set the Statue of Liberty then or when we returned.
The entire ship had been altered to carry troops and the staterooms
that originally were for two people now held twelve of us. there were
four bunks with just a narrow aisle in the middle and one small
shower. We didn't take many showers as it was salt water and left you
so sticky. As I recall we had Just a little fresh water to rinse off
with.
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