387th (387th) wrote in chipping_ongar, @ 2009-09-22 23:43:00 |
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After a successful first Welcoming Dance by the town Women's Committee, with not too much trouble or bad behaviour, the men of the 387th Bombardment Group faced their first full week on ground in England - "on ground" being the key words. There wasn't to be any flying yet. . .the planes needed to be tested, cleaned, trained on and in, and most of all, painted with the beloved nose art the men held so dear and were so proud of.
Everything was still in the planning stages, which was discouraging to the men who were looking so forward to setting straight to work. However, their new toys needed maintenance before they could be played with.
Meanwhile, the medical staff was still hard at work getting the new hospital wards in tip-top shape. Secretaries were still filing paperwork on each man, radio signals were being sorted out, and new officers were undergoing remaining training. It seemed there were some hoops to be jumped through before they could do exactly what they wanted.
In recognition for the welcoming party, the men of the 387th decided to put on their own party for the upcoming American Independence Day. Trials have begun to put together a base band in the next week, as well as set one of the hangars up for the Fourth of July party. Some men think this focus on fun and games and parties is a waste of time and energy, and know that war rages all around them as they sit helpless, waiting for the word to go fight. However, every man will need all the recreation he can get before then.Sunday, 27 June 1943
Monday 28 June
Tuesday 29 June
Wednesday 30 June
Thursday 1 July, 1943
Friday 2 July
Saturday 3 July