July 19, 1945 - France

Sgt. Stanley W Safford 39539976

5^th Auxiliary Surgical Group

APO 339

c/o Post Master

New York  New York

Marseille Area, France - 19

July 19, 1945

Dearest Mother:

Another eight days have gone by and I have not touched pen or paper during that time, so decided to finally put my mind to a few lines this afternoon.

During the past week I visited Marseille once and as usual came home quite tired as you know how I walk once I get started.  I visited the Cathedral there and was really quite impressed by it.  It stands atop a hill overlooking the entire city and the bay.  A person can se everything from the front portice.  Inside is some of the most beautiful mosaic work I have ever seen.  Most of it done with gold and silver with the other colors inlaid.  After the cathedral I went to the theater to see Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy in “No Love”.  I did not think much of it.

The statue of Mary and child which is many feet high and weighs 5-6 ton atop the church is one of the most beautiful things I have yet seen.  It is all gold gilded and may be seen for a good many miles in all directions.  On a close bright day the statue glitters in the sunlight.

Receiving a letter from Jay telling me of a great triumph the dinner was etc, etc, but was very amused to hear your version of it.  I certainly do not envy you on such parties.

Sorry to hear of you having more trouble with the Buick after getting it from the shop.  Hope you are able to get it in good shape again.

Yes I can well imagine the neighbors and the garden which they will have in that run down place.  It has never had any real good care and it will take some time before they get any real results.  I am very much afraid that the neighborhood is going to the dogs.

Has Richard Miner said what he was going to do upon his return to the Air corps? They may keep him right there n the states somewhere.

Have received your letters 30 and 31.  The latter was received yesterday in very good time.

Was glad to hear that Dad had a nice birthday.  I had wanted to get him something but I am in no place here for that.

While in town I got some French “Greeting cards of no great value, but they are something to have for people o their birthdays etc.  Well have to get a couple off for Marshall and Joseph, or at least ready to mail, since I very likely will not have the chance when their birthday comes around.

It must seem very strange for you to have children around the age of Virdens.  It very likely does you a lot of good tho.

Glad to know what you think of Marshall and wife.  I rather suspected by reading between the lines of his last letter that all was not well.  George always said Marshall needed someone to cheer him up so maybe he now has his wish.  I sincerely hope Marshall will be happy and will not regret his marriage.  He may have decided that him being alone was no good so he may have decided to get married in a hurry.  He never liked to be alone.

I can just see you in the kitchen canning cherries, apricots etc just as you used to do.  Why don’t you low down a little?

I mailed a package yesterday containing some books.  One of which is a book of prints which Olson gave me.  The others are some children’s books which you can put away for me except for three of them which are inscribed on the inside of front cover to Jon.  I want you to take the prices off them and sometime while out that way take them in.  I think there is one large and two small ones for him. Then there is some picture postcards for my collection.

The weather here has been very hot and as always a lot of dust blowing around.  I wish we would have a real downpour.

Glad to hear of the painting arriving in goo shape, but have begun to wonder what has happened to parachute silk and jackets which were sent some time before.

Quite surprised to hear of you all being invited to Richard Miners wedding.  Really must be quite an affair.  Where are they going to live?

Perhaps it would be a good idea to again restock the rabbits and start again.  Better results perhaps would be had.

The combs, watch band etc were all in good shape and the olive spread was very good on some crackers Ryan had one evening.

The fuchsia very likely got too much water or not enough or some borer got into the stock.

I am looking forward to seeing the pictures you mention.

http://images-02.delcampe-static.net/img_large/auction/000/103/958/545_001.jpg

Col. MacIntyre is no longer with us and I hear that he is on his way home at the hospital he was at is being dissolved.  So all Good Luck to him for he deserves it.  A lot of the others have also gone and the group is not the same.

Well all for this time and I hope you are all in good health and do enjoy yourselves when you can.

All my Love,

Your son,

Stanley

Enclosed one (1) postcard of chateau d’If

1 April 1945 - Germany

Sgt. Stanley W Safford 39539976

5^th Auxiliary Surgical Group

APO 339

c/o Post Master

New York  New York

Germany

1 April 1945

Dearest Mother:

Have here your V-Mail (4) of March 13 and your letter No2. So far am missing your No3.  Will start out anew on my new series.

I finally got the box mailed off to you a couple days ago.  It included my civilian shoes and short sox and my anatomy book.  Also included were my Bavarian porcelain and the excess pictures I have been gathering along the way.

We have really been on the move recently.  I spent a couple days with Col. Mac Intyre’s hospital a few days ago and have been on the move ever since from one place to the other.  At present am in a cow pasture again.  I spent a little time in a former German slave labor camp and had the chance to observe and see quite a few things while there but there was too much filth there for  very long stay,  There were quite a few Russian, Polish, Italian and French people there.  The Russians interested me very much and very surprisingly they impressed me.  They were all quite happy and in the evenings would dance and sing their beautiful music and songs.  They always impressed me anyway.

At the Evacuation Hospital they had a very beautiful garden just full of interesting and beautiful things.  I took some pictures I hope turn out well.  They had espalier fruit trees in long harbors and beds full of bulbs which included daffodils, hyacinths and grape hyacinths.  A lot of fruit trees were in bloom and other trees coming into leaf.  Also was a nice collection of statuary of a religious nature.

I am looking forward to receiving some more mail today as I have received very little with all my moving around.

Enclosed you will find a money order for fifty dollars ($50) which you can deposit use or invest in more stock or something with whatever appears best to you.

Also you will find some more souvenir money for my collection. Some Russian and Polish which is something new and different.

I had a roll of film in my camera the other day which may have been some of the French film for it didn’t have numbers on the right side and just when I wanted to use it I was unable to, much to my disgust and I missed some good pictures.

I heard from Albert Chandler regarding Onas severe spell.  Very sorry for her.

 

Well about all for now as my time is short and I am rather tired.

All my Love,

Your son,

Stanley

1 Italian stamp

1-50 Zlotych Polish note

4 Russian rubles

1-3, 1-1,1-5,1-1 yepbehin (?) (10 rubles)

Note from the transcriber:

CODE : ACROSS

February 13, 1944 - Holland

Sgt. Stanley W Safford 39539976

5^th Auxiliary Surgical Group

APO 339

c/o Post Master

New York  New York

Holland

February 13, 1945

Dearest Mother:

Have here your two letters of Jan 25 and 29 which I received about four days ago.  There is a lapse of time between them and your last ones of January but I am like you in being glad to receive them no matter in what order.

Our team is now at work again and we are at an Evacuation hospital this time.  You have heard me speak of Col MacIntyre before.  He is Chief of Surgery here now.  We, for some reason, are the only surgical team here.  We are living in private homes and Saunders and myself are the only two living here in our house.  We find it quite a novel experience and interesting in some ways.  It is quite hard for myself to adapt myself to living in someone else’s home and going in and out more or less at our will.

I am quite sorry to hear of both Dad and yourself having so much bad health and I hope you both get well again soon.

Your mention of the blood reminds me to tell you regarding our use of it.  You are right regarding the east coast donations coming here. Anyway all I have used here has come from the East.  Some of it reaches here in about seven days.  There is perhaps other which gets here sooner, which I do not see.  The plasma I have never paid much attention to.

We have certainly had some rather messy weather here recently with all the rain which has followed the slush which we have had after the snow.  I would like to see the sun come out for a couple days drying everything out for a change.

The people here were saying that four years of English are required in the schools along with German, French and during the occupation Italian.  So you see, we do not have too much trouble getting around.

I believe I mentioned previously of receiving the pictures.  Some of them are very good while others were a failure.

How does it happen that Russell Morgan is again returning to business?

You have heard me mention Leonard Johnson previously.  He is now down in the First Army area at a Battalion headquarters of some kind.  He was in the recent breakthrough area.

It is all news to me regarding Marshall expecting to leave Portland at all.  For what reason?  I thought his location there was rather permanent.

I like the picture of yourself in your Jan 29 letter.  The glasses do not hurt your looks any and in fact make you look rather distinguished in a way.  I am very glad to have this picture and am always glad to receive them.

I understand they are cleaning up England of all misc. troops except actual maintenance groups such as Medical etc. Herb Burdick’s group is very likely considered now essential for England.

I can think of not much else so I guess I will bring this to a close and send you all my regards as always.

All my Love,

Your son

January 18, 1945 - Holland

Sgt. Stanley W Safford 39539976

5^th Auxiliary Surgical Group

APO 339

c/o Post Master

New York  New York

Holland

January 18, 1945

Dearest Mother:

With Kupfer playing Schubert’s “Serenade” in the background, your favorite, and the wind, a cold one in the building outside, making a weird sound, I will sit down and write you a few lines.

The snow is practically all gone now since the wind has melted it and everything is quite glassy outside from the frozen water from the snow covering everything again.

Enclosed you will find a clipping which may intend you and also the photograph promised in my last letter.  I hope you like it, since it is really not too good but I think better than San Antonio anyway.  Do not ask as to when I obtained them and do not ask the same question regarding the price as you did the last ones.  I am going to send two large ones and the balance of these to you in another package.  Have already sent one “unscented” to Jay.  As you remember he sent one picture back that I did not sign.

We are starting to attend lectures now and the(y) show promise of being very interesting.  I will again start taking notes in my notebook and make use of it.  Another thing which I may start doing is a little rough sketching, even tho very poor it may be sort of a picture for me in the future.

Had I mentioned previously that Col. MacIntyre is no longer with the 5^th and we now have the former Asst Surgeon for a team chief.  We really hated to see the Col. Leave and I shall miss him some since he was always such a wonderful person to work for.  Our new team chiefs name and rank is Major Pratt, and he comes from Oklahoma.

The lazy people here in headquarters certainly get on my nerves with their waste of time.  I have always wanted the chance to do the things.  I am now doing and they grow the same.  I take advantage of my spare time while I have it.

Well this is about all for now and Kupfer is finishing off with “Ave Maria” so I had better close also.

Give my regards to everyone.

All my love,

Stanley

January 2, 1994(*) - Holland

Sgt. Stanley W Safford 39539976

5^th Auxiliary Surgical Group

APO 339

c/o Post Master

New York  New York

Holland

January 2, 1944[1]

Dearest Mother:

Started a letter to you last evening but decided to start over again this morning and make a better start.  Should have gotten one off a few days ago but you know me and how I can always find things to amuse myself or something else n the way of entertainment with someone.

Very glad to hear from you in your letter of Dec 9 which I received the day before yesterday.  Your letter was the first since yours received Christmas Eve, otherwise I have had none.

Received nice boxes from both Mrs. Kinsfather and Dorothy containing fruit cake, dried  fruit and olives.  Will answer for them this afternoon.

Quite glad to hear of you receiving the box containing trunks, card and books.

After today there will be another box on the way to you containing some very clear but pretty glasses.  They are not crystal but I rather like them.  Some will be for you and you can save the others for me.

I understand here that the bonds and the allotment will be straightened out in time.  They started a new system on Sept 1^st of some kind with the bonds.

As to you needing the money tho.  I want you to have all that you need in the way of cash.  You can forget the bond entirely even tho the $50 allotment does come.  I want you to use what cash you will require from my bank account also.

I would much rather see you pay a little more and really get something nice.  I hope to spend a few years there after my return home so pick something nice and a nice room or rooms for me even tho they are in the attic and a good view over a garden to be.  Of course your choice at this time will be limited.  Remember you have free use of my money!

I have just now received your letter of Dec 21 and was quite surprised to receive anything so recent.  In this one you mention buying a bond with previous allotment checks.  Of course you are supposed to received the increased allotment for Nov & Dec for that purpose, so unless you need the money you can buy one each month or any other way you desire so as to equal that account.

Received also your air mail stamps in both above mentioned letters.  They come in handy.

I managed to retrieve two cans of popcorn the other day so am that much back.

Was very sorry to hear of Jay having to have his leg amputated and I will have to write him very soon and a letter sooner hereafter.  I have not as yet received a letter telling me of him going to the hospital.  Of course these cases here of later have never struck me as before since I help with amputations often.

I have not received any of your letters unsealed as yet, perhaps they have sealed it prior to sending it on.

Your clipping of the surgical operation was very interesting, but Col MacIntyre has had cases just as difficult and has performed them very likely just as well.  Of course, it makes a good story.

Yes! You will look rather strange to me in or with glasses but if you need them you certainly should use them.  What type of rims are you getting?

Well the time goes by and I will have to close now and get on with other things.

Hoping this find you all well and that this reaches you sooner than usual I remain as always.

Your Loving Son,

Stanley

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[1] typo

Dec 20, 1944 - Germany

Sgt. Stanley W Safford 39539976

5^th Auxiliary Surgical Group

APO 339

c/o Post Master

New York  New York

Germany, Dec. 20, 1944

Dearest Mother,

Received your tardy, but well received box yesterday entitled “Birthday Box”.

Found the enclosed card very attractive and pretty.  I am sure I will find the contents such as socks, scarf and candies very useful and delicious.  Her box arrived in excellent condition since it was so well packed.

This letter is being written by the Red Cross girl here in our Field Hospital. Her reason for such is that due to a lymphangitis[1] condition of my right arm resulting from an insect bite of one kind or another.  Colonel MacIntyre decided upon putting me to bed and taking shots and etc.  Have been here for two days and hope to be up soon and at that time will write you again.  This condition should cause no anxiety on your part as there is nothing terribly serious.

Enclosed you will find and the rmoney order for the amount of $40.  This is the balance of the money I have which I call surplus after having changed again My Belgium and Dutch currency.  Deposit this to my account.

Received from Cousin Gertrude a pocket book edition of condensed and one full  (?) the Story by Steinbeck.  This will provide reading material to last my period in bed.

This will be all for now and I close in hoping this finds you all well and enjoying good weather at home.

All my love

Your son,

Stanley

Written by American Red Cross

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[1] Blood poisoning

December 15, 1944 - Germany

Sgt. Stanley W Safford 39539976

5^th Auxiliary Surgical Group

APO 339

c/o Post Master

New York  New York

Germany

December 15, 1944

Dearest Mother:

Received your letter of Nov 29 today and two days ago your letter of Nov 8.  It seems that the mail I have received for Nov has been very small.  We all complain of the same thing tho.  Also received with yours one from Miss Brode. Received also Air Mail stamps in both letters. Thank You so very much.

We once again have Col. MacIntyre with us and are all contented again.  Altho working for our Major was quite enjoyable and he is a wonderful surgeon.

Muriel’s friend sounds quite interesting and I would like to have the chance to meet him.  I am tired of characterless people.

Yes I know the Bing you speak of.  He used to work at the nursery in his odd moments.  He and wife are very nice people.

I hope that by the time you receive this letter you will have received the negatives which are in one of my recent letters.  The manor house you will find the pictures is one called Marbury Hall built by Lord Barrymore about 1805 at a cost of about $600,000 dollars and I really was quite impressed by the entire affair.  There was a beautiful lake which could be seen from the front of the house and the birch forests from the rear.  They had some beautiful Carrara marble[1] fireplaces that simply outdone everything else.

The reason we were in headquarters was because of our team change, we normally do not return to headquarters and it is not encouraged by them.  Our only reason for being there is for just such a change.  Usually they move us without ever seeing them and which is just as well as far as I am concerned as they all give me a pain with their big shot ideas.  I cannot understand why you do not hear from me more often.  I guess my letters will become a(n) every other day affair and then you will hear perhaps a little more often.

Your moving sounds quite interesting and next letter will carry instructions for the moving of a very few plants.  My return home will then be greatly by a new start in plants.

Anyway you have not moved as yet.  If you do get me a nice room overlooking a garden.

The Christmas seals in last letter are different but rather attraction.  I can use them at the letter heading.

Tomorrow’s your birthday and I certainly wish I were there to help you celebrate it with you.  Perhaps next year.  May you have a nice day.  The clippings are interesting.

As ever,

All my Love,

Stanley

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[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrara

November 19, 1944 - Belgium

Sgt. Stanley W Safford 39539976

5^th Auxiliary Surgical Group

APO 339

c/o Post Master

New York  New York

Belgium

November 19, 1944

Dearest Mother:

As you again see by the heading and also my new stationary.  I have moved and once again I have been able to reach one of the well stocked Belgium stores for this paper.

Our team has again changed locations and are now located at a different Field Hospital which is not in action at present.  Only this time we do not have Col MacIntyre with us.  The Colonel has been replaced by another Major while the Col has to remain in headquarters at his duties.

Have before me here your letters of Sept 26 and October 30, the previous one received yesterday contained the clipping of Geo Dewey’s Los Angeles speech, so now I have received two of his speeches: Oklahoma City and Los Angeles.

As I believe I mentioned in my last letter.  I was certainly glad to hear of you receiving the silver, but the stamp disappearance is still a big mystery and I am rather mad about it in fact.  Anyway the important thing is that you have received the thing.

No I have not take to smoking and in regards to your question as to when I get them.  They are given to us in rations and in England I could buy them at the PX.

Sgt Kupfer and myself saw a couple good shows while in headquarters and went to town a couple of times together.  Sgt Ryan is stationed not too far from here but I have not seen him since leaving Paris the first time.

I am going to try and see him some time soon.

We do not have bicycles here and would not have the time for them f we did.  England was in a way a pleasure resort for us.  And you certainly hit the nail on the head when you said being unsettled gets on my nerves.  I could do so much more if we were settled somewhere.

As to your question regarding the casualties.  Yes much different than Brooke General, otherwise no answers.

It seems surprising to me to hear of horse racing in the states while we here are in such a different world.  The horses we see here are the huge big percherons[1] with docked tails which they all have for farm work, and once in a while a smaller horse hitched to a carriage, and they are few and far between here.  They were thick in Paris.

I took a ride into the city yesterday on one of their trolleys which have resumed operation again in most parts.  We (soldiers) do not pay a fare as they tell us.  “The Bosch” (Germans) did not pay so neither do you have to”.

Whitney whom you have heard me mention is now in France with a General Hospital.  Received his change of address card one day and a letter the next.

Have spent most of the day doing a washing and am therefore tired, so will close now bidding you good night and asking you to take care of yourself.

All my love,

Stanley

November 21, 1944

Dearest Mother:

Hoping this reaches you all in one envelope and hope you like it. 

I sincerely wish I could do more for you, but all that will have to wait until another day.

The handkerchief is not a very nice one but you may wear it with your latest suit.  It would not stand close observation to well as you can see.

The cards are from England and Belgium. I thought the latter one very nice, so thought you would also.

In to town yesterday and came home with grapes (greenhouse) and delicious pears.  Also had ice cream  which was my first since the states.

Well all for now and more will follow.

All ways,

Stanley

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[1] http://ivancedeo.ifunnyblog.com/belgianpercheroncross/#