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Up for sale is an exceptional, completely intact 5-page handwritten letter from a World War II GI named Bob, written to his brother and sister-in-law (Joe & Rose) back in the States. Dated December 16, 1943, from North Africa, this letter offers a fantastic, candid look into the daily realities, struggles, and humor of deployment.
Unlike many standard wartime letters that offer generic updates, this letter is packed with fantastic historical and cultural details, including:
Tent Life Conditions: Describes enduring a 5-day stretch of heavy rain ("raining cats & dogs"), having to constantly adjust tent ropes to stay dry, and writing by the light of a rationed candle.
Practical Advice for the Front: Bob gives humorous but practical advice to his brother in case he gets deployed, including warning him that toilet paper is incredibly hard to get and to pack extra food.
Rations Detail: Specifically lists their current rations, including 5–6 packs of cigarettes, one candy bar, soap, and toilet articles.
Home Longings: Mentions the abundance of local "vino" (wine), but notes he hasn't touched a drop and is saving his next drink for "when this war ends," while fondly reminiscing about a past furlough driving down 5th Avenue.
Condition:
Excellent vintage condition for its age. Written in legible ink on standard lightweight wartime stationary. Folded as originally mailed, with very minor edge wear and age-related toning. All pages are clean and perfectly readable. (Please see high-resolution photos for exact condition details).
Full Transcript Included Below:
(Page 1)
N. Africa - Dec, 16, 1943
Dear Joe & Rose,
I am feeling fine and in the best of health hoping to hear the same from both of you. Well Joe how are you and Rose getting along with married life, is Rose still down there with you? Joe I am doing allright here and I am taking good care of myself. We are living in six man tents + it is just like one big happy family. For the past 5 days its been raining cats + dogs and
(Page 2)
we could do nothing but adjust as our tents ropes + little odd jobs. Today is the first day it did not rain + there was so many things to do I did not know where to start. It is now dark so I had to let some thing go till tomorrow. We get candles to use so I thought I use my candle to right write to you so if I make many mistakes I know you will understand. Joe I am going to try + let you in on some of the ropes of this side, not that I am trying to tell
(Page 3)
an old army man something. But now that I've came over + if I had to come over again I would make sure I had plenty of toilet tissue for it is sure hard to get here. Next is try + have some food in your bag while coming over for it will come in mighty handy. I don't think you smoke yet, but we do get rations of cigarettes about 5-6 pk. one candy bar, toilet articles + soap. Joe I am telling you this not that I hope you come over, but I know you will come over some day. But I keep praying that this war ends
(Page 4)
soon so that no one else need come over here. And I go back to my little family. You know Joe I have not touched a drop of vino which there is plenty of here and I don't think I ever will until I get back to the states, Then I guess the whole family will get drunk. Joe after seeing a lot of fellows drunk here I was telling some of the boys about when you + Rose and Andy, Ruth + I went to see grandma while I was on furlough + how I threw everything I drank up while driving along 5th avenue. I only expect
(Page 5)
to go on one more drunk like that + that is when this war ends. And so Joe I am going to close with give my love to your wife & hope this letter finds you in the best of health.
Your Affectionate Brother,
Bob.
P.S. Joe how is mia taking it about me being over here?
