WW2 Chapter 11 - Becoming a Platoon Leader (and More Training)




Telegram from Franklin's father (click to enlarge)

After Christmas, Franklin's father (Franklin II) spent time working with other engineers at the Bristol Company's west coast offices in San Francisco and Seattle. Like many companies at that time, the Bristol Company was developing products for the war effort. His father was then able to briefly visit Franklin at Camp Roberts again before flying back home to Connecticut.


Visitor pass and notes by Franklin's father

1/9/44
Dear Dad,
     ~~~
     Remember the sergeant that showed us to a table in the mess hall? That afternoon he asked me how long you would be here; -- he said that he wanted to speak to you. He was once our platoon sergeant -- and he put me in command of the entire platoon -- about 70 men. However, with this new sergeant, things may be different.

     I certainly wish that you might have been here over the weekend. Incidentally, you made a very good impression with the men -- and quite a number of them asked how long you would be here -- what business you were in; etc.

     Since arriving at this camp, we have fired the 30 cal. M-1 rifle, 30 cal. carbine, 81 mm mortar, anti-tank weapons, 30 cal. heavy machine guns, and 45 cal. automatics. [Later on, in combat, Franklin's unit would need to rely on all of these weapons.]

     Last week we fired the 22 rifle -- what a weapon! Such power! Next week we take up the sling shot. It certainly seemed silly to be firing a 22 -- I suppose the purpose of it was to give us experience in landscape firing -- without spending such terrific amounts of ammunition.
~~~
Love, Franklin

1/23/44
Dear Mother,

     Our 13th week has just ended. One week from tomorrow (Feb. 6th) we begin a two-week bivouac -- not exactly looking forward to it.
     ~~~
     We were on quite an interesting range, yesterday. It was constructed to represent a battlefield -- broken trees, foxholes, craters, ruin -- and all that goes with it. We ran thru the course as riflemen -- firing at targets as we went along. Behind us, machine guns were also firing over our heads at the targets. It was very realistic -- only fortunately, there was no return fire.
     ~~~
     Last week we did some "anti-aircraft firing" -- with those goddamn 22's. They were diving, falling, climbing targets -- all at very close range. I'm not too good with moving targets.

     I think I have just recovered from the flu. Whatever it was, I certainly spent one helluva week.
     ~~~
Love, Franklin