WW2 Chapter 84 - Truck Repairs



Letter of September 11

9/11/45

Dear Dad,

     Received your letter of Aug. 28th. Mail as with everything else -- has been trickling in. "Things" should get better when this business of occupation has been settled. Then perhaps the over 85 points men will get to go home. Have already told you that we haul troops -- and it's certainly been mighty slow.

     We've been having eggs -- real eggs for breakfast. We'll get two eggs every morning for a week, then it'll be a month before we have more.

     While working at the docks the other night, one of the men in the company backed into my front fender -- smashing it quite badly. I wouldn't have cared if it had been an "accident" -- but this was the height of carelessness. There's so much to do that I can't afford to "waste" time -- when there is so little time (we drive 12 hours a day -- or night --; and an additional hour must be added on both ends to allow for eating, washing, and arriving and returning from destination). One of the mechanics was a "body man" on the outside -- so with an 8 pound sledge hammer and a wrecker ("A" frame mounted on a 2 1/2 ton truck), and a few other tools (imagine using such things on civilian vehicles), it straightened out damn good. Then it had to be welded in a few places.

     Convinced the dispatcher to give me a "couple" days off to work on my truck. It's in fairly good shape, now. Sunday morning when I came in, I located certain parts, and that afternoon I drove to the junk yard for a tail gate, and a rear "fender" (there was none of it). There's so much junk that it's hard to find what you want -- and harder still to remove it.

     Had to work that night -- but after a couple hours sleep in the morning, I worked on it until dark. Had the welder working on it almost all afternoon, and again this morning.

     Have been bothering, considerably, all the mechanics, but they never hesitate to stop their work to help me or show me what to do. Naturally there are and must be certain restrictions for the drivers -- but I've had use of all tools and equipment including the wrecker.

     About a week ago, I had an opportunity to go to Japan as a truck driver.

     Now that there is no longer any censorship, is there anything you'd like to know? -- I'll try to answer.

Much love,

Franklin

WW2 Chapter 85 - A Letter to Dave (and Philippine Currency)

Photo of an LCT

9/16/45

Dear Snodgrass,

     One night I was hauling supplies aboard an LCT [landing craft for tanks] -- drove right onto the ship. As you probably know, it has a "front door" -- and can come within a certain distance of shore. Then a bulldozer builds a sand "road" out to it. At the time, however, it was high tide, and the road was under about a foot of water. Almost needed a compass to get to the ship.


An Issue of Post Yarns Magazine (~1945)

      Don't remember if I thanked you for the "Post Yarns" -- never saw anything like it before. Also thanks for the very nice card.

     In your letter of August 29th, I was most interested in your method of capturing worms [for fishing].

     I'm glad that so many of your bantams are pullets. Cocky sounds like quite an excellent bird.

     Another time I pulled a trailer behind my truck. It was almost as bad as driving a semi. It weighed some 5 tons, and was about the length of a Ford.

Enclosed Currency

Reverse Side

     Have enclosed two bills -- one is a Philippine peso -- equivalent to 50 cents in American money. Notice that the back side is orange -- each denomination is of a different color. The other is Dutch -- equivalent to approximately 53 cents. The backs of these bills have different colors too -- and they are also different in size and print. I have some of these bills but it's best not to send them thru the mail.

Enclosed Truck Pictures

      Also enclosed is a picture of the type of truck I drive. Mine is the same as the one on top -- except that it's a closed cab like that at the bottom.

Much love,

Watty

WW2 Chapter 86 - A Letter to Dave (October 23, 1945)

Letter of October 23 with Newspaper Sketch

10/23/45

Dear Snodgrass,

     Received your very nice letter of October 3rd. We'll certainly have to have more races with those tractors. Was most interested in the elaborate system you devised for starting your tractor from the opposite side of the room.

     Finally managed to get another crystal for my watch; thru a "buddy who knew someone else" channel. It's amazing how that watch has continued to keep excellent time even after soaking in foxholes, swamps, rice paddies, and all -- and also with a broken crystal. Incidentally, that crystal was made from the "glass" of a wrecked plane.

     Received a letter, a couple days ago, dated last May 2nd. But then that was quite rapid -- one of the men received a valentine, and another a V-mail dated Sept. 19th 1944.

     The M.P.'s [military police] here are quite strict in regard to speeding. However, when traveling in convoy, they can't do much about it. Not long ago, an M.P. tried to cut in front of and stop one of the trucks -- but the trucks closed up and wouldn't let him in.

     Have been getting some mighty fine pictures of you, Dave; -- with your vaulting pole, Mother's pullet, and Cocky. You always have such a smile on your face, that I can almost hear you laughing.

     The enclosed sketch shows "me" with "my" truck at the docks. At the stern of the ship are the large cranes -- which explains why sideboards are so often bent, broken, and smashed. That's the same type of ship which I traveled about the Pacific in.

Much love,

Franklin

WW2 Chapter 87 - Waiting to be Sent Home

Letter of November 12

 11/12/45

Dear Dad,

     Received yesterday your letter of Oct. 30th.

     We have at the motor pool three to five Briggs & Stratton motors -- which are used to operate the paint gun, tire pump, grease gun, and a couple other things. For some reason they give considerable trouble. Maybe it's the climate. Recently, the mechanic put another body on a jeep -- the old one had rusted thru in many places, and was beyond repair. Even the frame had to be "patched".

     And considerable canned rations had to be destroyed because the cans had rusted thru -- even though they are packed in tar-cardboard and wooden boxes. Knowing the "life" of metal in the states, what happens to it here is unbelievable.

     You asked me what the men did at the Replacement Depot while awaiting ships. It takes two days to be "processed" -- otherwise they do absolutely nothing (but then with slight exceptions, that's how it is everywhere -- thousands and thousands of men helping thousands and thousands of more men do absolutely nothing). The 28th here in Tacloban is the shipping center for Leyte and all southern islands. Its capacity is around 15,000. Men have been waiting there -- doing nothing -- since as long ago as September 22nd; and some of those had over 85 points last May. It's amazing how the biggest navy in the world has suddenly disappeared.
~~~~~
Much love,

Franklin

WW2 Chapter 88 - An Ice Cream Machine (and Frustrated Troops)

11/27/45

Dear Mother,

     We now have an ice cream machine in the company. A couple of the mechanics designed and made it. The ice container is an old 50 gallon oil drum, so you can get some idea as to its size. It's run by a small Briggs & Stratton engine the size of our small power mower. There's no substitute for fresh milk, so naturally the ice cream tastes very poor-- but it looks like ice cream, and feels like ice cream, and it's cold -- and that's something.

     I've heard about many strange things in the army, but recently an incident occurred which about surpassed them all. At 3:00 AM we were to rush 30 trucks to a Philippine Army battalion stationed below Dulag. In addition, there were four more to haul ammunition. I thought that the Japs were raising hell around Ormoc again, and they were to set up a perimeter; -- but it turned out that the air force (they're in a separate depot) were about to start a riot because they weren't getting home. The Philippine army was to have gone in with weapons to stop it. However, a couple ships were "suddenly" located.

     The enclosed article is rather interesting [about the abundance of ships but lack of troops being sent home]. At the time it was written, the information was all true -- however, its author was court-martialed and given six months hard labor, with 2/3 of his pay taken. Many copies were sent to "high" authorities in the states, so there ought to be an investigation of some sort.

     Am driving a bus, now -- my same truck with bows and tarp over the back. It's better organized now, with a "bus terminal" at Base K, a checker, different routes and time schedules, destination signs, and bus stops -- the same idea as in the states.

     Thank you for sending a birthday gift to Nan [a friend of Nancy] -- and the pictures of it to me. You certainly wrapped it most elaborately.

Much love,

Franklin

WW2 Chapter 89 - A Radio (and Promotion to Corporal)



Return address noting new rank of Corporal
(otherwise not mentioned)

12/19/44

Dear Dad,

     A couple days ago, one of the men and myself purchased a radio for 50 pesos. It's a five tube set, and when we got it, it was in rather poor condition -- but we put in a new tube, adjusted the coils and condensers, and tinkered with a few other "odds and ends". Then yesterday morning I took my truck and found some copper wire. It was in a dump and fortunately the insulation had been burned off. Happened to notice some insulators on a tree and by climbing on the sideboards of my truck, I was able to reach them. I got a Jap prisoner to climb a couple coconut trees -- so we now have an excellent aerial.

     Although the company radio is an "expressive" set, it only receives Leyte stations -- ours receives in addition Manila and Cebu, and late at night a couple more which I haven't yet identified. Last evening, I repaired and lacquered the case so it now almost looks like new.

     We had a very mild earthquake, the other day. Almost 4:00 AM one morning last June, we had one which bounced my cot around like a rubber ball.

     Since being in a truck company, I've tried to collect a set of my own tools. Now I have a rather complete and valuable set.
~~~~~
Much love,

Franklin

Enclosed is a $75 money order.

WW2 Chapter 90 - Franklin's Dog

  
12/28/45

Dear Dave,

     The Filipino boys have a game which is just like your marble "contests" -- only they use centavo pieces -- a copper coin which is a size between that of a nickel and quarter.

Blackie and Pete

     You must be getting quite gigantic -- "probably" even taller than Pete. I have a dog over here, too -- a red Irish setter. He looks just about like Black, with the exception of being considerably larger. He's the only pure-bred dog I've seen on the island -- and the only large dog of any variety. Naturally because of this he produces considerable comment from everyone that sees him -- especially when he's riding in the cab of my truck -- he sits up so straight and proud, and never misses a thing. At night, he sleeps by my cot -- and in the morning, pushes his nose under my mosquito net. He's so very much like Black in every way that often times when I look down, I almost expect it to be Black. He even presses the side of his head against your hand.


Photo of an Irish Setter

     I'm glad that your Bantams have begun to produce again. And I certainly enjoyed your U.P.N. -- including the comic strip "Kingy". Thanks very much, Snodgrass.

Much love,

Watty

Enclosed Coins

     Enclosed are two coins -- 10 centavos, and 1/10 guilder (Netherlands East Indies) -- worth 5, and 5 and a fraction cents, respectively.


Although Franklin's letters do not provide a lot of information, his dog may have originally been from the Army’s “K-9 Corps.” Under this program, private citizens donated certain pure-bred dogs to the military where they received special training before being sent overseas to join troops in combat. The dogs were found to be particularly effective in the dense jungles of the Pacific and also boosted the morale of the men (and may have also helped Franklin recover from some of his combat experiences).

Due to an Irish Setter’s favorable temperament, loyalty, and ability to swim, Franklin’s dog may have previously been used as either a sentry or a messenger dog. A sentry dog was used at night and on patrol and could reportedly detect an ambush or approaching Japanese soldiers up to 1,000 yards away. A messenger dog was used for sending messages quickly and silently between two handlers. After the war, the dogs were reportedly returned to their civilian owners.

WW2 Chapter 91 - A Christmas Dinner



Letter of January 6, 1946

1/6/46

Dear Mother,

     The sun came out today! -- thought I'd never get my clothes dry. Lately, I've been having the Japanese do my washing -- we get a certain number six days a week to work in the company area.

     Understand that investigations are being conducted in regard to the food being served in Philippine mess halls -- hope that something comes of it. It seems that by now we should be able to get such things as apples and oranges just once in a while. We had fairly good chow on Xmas -- a very small piece of turkey, dressing, dehydrated potatoes, beans, peas, bread and fresh butter, ice tea, ice cream -- and even a piece of pumpkin pie!

The hydrox were excellent -- thank you very much.

Funny thing about that dog of mine. He won't touch candy, -- but he loves ice cream and ice water.

There has been much ado about Patterson's statement -- that he was ignorant of the fact that point scores [for going home] in the Pacific were effective only to V-J day. But then how could the Secretary of War be expected to be familiar with such things?

We've been having movies three and four times a week. Usually there is a newsreel of some five or six months ago in addition.

Love,

Franklin

A Christmas photo from back home

WW2 Chapter 92 - Bamboo Trees (and Shoestring Ridge)

Letter of January 22

1/22/46

Dear Mother, 

Finished work yesterday, then threw all my things together, loaded it and me onto a 2 1/2 ton vehicle, and moved to another area. Living in tents is quite a luxury for us -- much different from those mud-lined foxholes with fresh running rain.

     Don't think I've ever mentioned much about the bamboo tree; -- it has many uses. There is a great abundance of it -- and it grows only in thickets which are almost impossible to penetrate. (The Japanese, unfortunately, have a favorite habit of emplacing themselves in these terrible thickets. Perhaps you remember reading about Shoe-String Hill -- where the Japs gave us such hell; -- only we called it Bamboo Ridge. [see Chapter 49]

The bamboo pole is made up of water-tight compartments -- each between one and two feet in length. By breaking open all but the last compartment, the natives -- with a pole ten feet long, or so -- have a means of carrying their water. The poles are very light and strong -- and it makes an excellent mast for the sailboats. Then it's used for making beds, floors, cups, the frame for a "house" -- and it can be split open and used like boards. Almost forgot -- its most popular use in the states -- the fishing pole.

Much love,

Franklin

WW2 Chapter 93 - Franklin's Last Letter (January 27, 1946)

Letter of January 27

 1/27/46

Dear Mother & Dad,

     Have recently -- off and on -- been trying to make a large outboard engine operate as it's supposed to. Though it had only fallen into the ocean, it seems to be requiring considerable work.

     Some weeks ago, 3449 was deactivated and we were transferred to 3742. Actually, we've been assigned to that organization for the past couple months. At first -- due to lack of space -- we were set up in two large huts down and across the road from the company area. It was situated on the shore -- at high tide, my cot was only "inches" from the water.

     3742 was formerly a trailer outfit -- but we brought 30 of our 6x6's with us -- mine included. Then the mechanics built their own motor pool -- so you see, we're quite independent. As for our motor pool -- though we have no tire shop or parts department -- it's superior to 3742 in every way: -- no mud, better tools and equipment, elevated grease rack, and better mechanics.

     Don't write any more -- expect to be shipping to the states before long.

     On several occasions, I've driven the trailers. They're certainly tremendous, and I like them -- but not on this island.

     Just had a most unusual type of cold. It lasted 1 1/2 days -- and consisted only of constant sneezing and "blowing".

     Since moving, we've been working on the docks -- two shifts -- each nine hours.

Love,

Franklin

WW2 Chapter 94 - Return Home (and a Box of Candy)



Cover of candy box, hanging in cottage on Lake Quassapaug

On February 26, after two years and seven months of service, Franklin arrived back in San Francisco. Because it was his mother's birthday, he bought a wooden box of candy before flying home to Connecticut. On the back of the cover, she would write, "This picture is the cover of a box of candy that Franklin Jr. gave me for my birthday the day after he returned from overseas on Feb. 26, 1946."



Japanese machete

Along with the box of candy, he apparently also brought home a Japanese machete.

WW2 Chapter 95 - Franklin's Seventh Division Patches




Discharge Form (click to enlarge)

After returning home to Connecticut, Franklin reportedly burned his army uniform and rarely talked about any of his experiences again. Although he was awarded a Victory Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, an Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, and a Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars, he apparently disposed of those items as well.



Dress Uniform Patches and Infantrymen Pin

However, perhaps in honor of the men that he fought with, he kept his 7th Division patches and his Combat Infantrymen Pin.

WW2 Chapter 96 - The End

With Dave at Lake Elise



Lake Quassapaug, Summer of 1900

This is another print form glass plate taken on Lake Quassapaug.  View of shore line with boat house and engine house in background.  The boat house was built in July of 1900, which probably dates the negative to the summer of 1900.  Pictured are two women unidentified and sitting in/on the two boats.  Middle distance is an unidentified man at the tiller of a sail boat with raised sail.  Of the five boys pictured, all in bathing suits, the first is probably HHB who is holding the prow of the first boat (age 12?).  In back of him is probably CWB (age 10?) standing on the dock, in the middle distance is probably SRB (age 15?).  Of the other two boys, the one wearing a life jacket is BHB11, probably age 3, other boy age 4??  This is the best guess of my Uncle Howard (Howp) who documented all the wonderful pictures!  God Bless Him!!

Bristol Company Outing, Circa 1930

Can you identify the Bristols in this photo?  And where do you think the picture was taken?

Squirrel Lodge, Lake Quassapaug

 

 

The 3 pictures above are in response to Kate Wick's finding in her collection the glass plates for at least one of these. My pictures were left to me by my Uncle Howp and have descriptions on back of each as follows:
1.  WHB's electric launcher print from glass negative.
2.  WHB/HHB Lake Quassapaug property: 2 unidentified women sitting on porch, Rev. Richardson, holding fishing rod dangling fish in rt. hand, rod in left hand, Steven's Prof. of mechanical drawing, Franklin De R. Furman who designed sign "Squirrel Lodge." Print from glass negative.
3.  WHB/HHB "Squirrel Lodge" before sign was affixed.  People unidentified. Print from glass negative.

Papa's Racing Car from 1914 - Photo Contest!!

This is one of my favorite pictures of Papa. The photo is identified as "Franklin B. Bristol, Jr." and is dated October 31, 1914 when he was 13 years old. The photo was probably taken by one of his brothers. I am offering a framed 5x7 inch copy of this photo to the first person to guess where he got his wheels!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I am pleased to announce that Gin Allen was the first person to correctly guess that Papa got his wheels from his baby pram! Back in October 2013, I had posted a photo of him in his stroller from August 1901 when he was 5 months old. Papa was the youngest in the family and therefore he may have been the last one to use it for its intended purpose. Although there were some really good guesses from others, score one for Gin and the younger generation!

Franklin E. Bristol

In reference to Bob's comment asking about my Father's medals and type of plane he flew during WW11, I Have added the above two pictures.  My Father's obituary tells about his air medals and the picture below shows my Father pointing to the Memphis Bell which was on display at an Elmira New York air show several years before he passed.  We took him there to see it.  This is a B24 like the ones he flew during the war.

Franklin E. Bristol

My Father, Franklin E. Bristol, served in WWII as a navigator in the 490 Bomb Group which bombed among other things, the Ploisti Oil Fields in Romania.  These were strategic oil fields vital to maintaining the Nazi War Machine, so these particular missions were very important to the war effort.  The first picture above is taken at our local museum where I currently have a display of my Father's uniform and pictures along with a description of his service.  Please note the picture of my parents in above right corner and on the left of my Father alone.  I hesitated publishing this picture because they really disliked these pictures of themselves!! HA!

The picture in the doorway was taken at my Grandmother's House in Naugatuck Conn. upon his successful return after completing 50 missions. 

I think there is little known about the service of our family members.  Therefore I am pleased to post these items as I am very proud of them.

Early Photos of Phyllis Hampson Bristol

These early photos of my grandmother, Phyllis Hampson Bristol, were recently provided by her son David. Phyllis was the wife of Franklin II. The photo above is dated 1909 and was therefore taken when she was 6 years old. Because she was the only girl in the family she must have gotten all kinds of special attention!

The second photo looks like it was from a formal sitting when she was perhaps in her late teens, while the third photo is less formal and may have been taken when she was around 30 (?). Her clothing must have been quite fashionable at the time!

 

Formal Photos of Franklin II

 

These formal photos of my grandfather, Franklin II, were recently provided by his son David. The first one appears to have been taken when he was in his early 20s, while the second one may have been taken in his 30s (?). These were perhaps some rare instances when he wasn't seen smiling!

Photos of Nancy

  

Here are a couple early photos of Nancy, the daughter of Franklin II. The photo above was dated September 1946 and was taken when she was 20 years old. Papa probably developed this photo in his dark room at their home on South Street in Middlebury.
 
The photo below of Nancy and her future husband, Duncan Allen, was dated June 11, 1946. According to Nancy's brother, David, the photo was taken at Tufts University during my father's (Franklin III's) graduation.

Hampson Family Tree

These hand-written notes by Phillip Hampson show his "family tree on my mother's side." Phillip was the father of Franklin II's wife, Phyllis. Of note, this document indicates that the family was descended from Robert Stephenson, the brother of the famous George Stephenson who was the "inventor of the first locomotive in England." However, Virginia Allen, our family genealogist, has done a great deal of research on this connection and concludes that it was most likely a different Stephenson family. Gin sent me this photo of Phillip's mother, Sarah Ann Aucock, when she was about 38 years old.

Mary's Little Lamb

This is an interesting document I found amongst my family history items.  Please note reference at the end to My Friend Flicka!  I remember that series from my childhood even to this day!

Bristol Instruments

Bristol Manufacturing Booth Chicago World's Fair 1893

This of course predates Bob's wonderful pictures and documents showing the 1904 tragedy at the Bristol Co. RR Crossing.  We are both finding that our Fathers saved everything and it is amazing to put pictures to our knowledge of this history.

Probate Certificates, 1905

Howard's Probate Certificate

Carlton's Probate Certificate



Franklin II's Probate Certificate

 

These probate certificates are from July 1905 (click on images to enlarge). In June 1905, Uncle Will had assumed guardianship of three of Franklin I’s children after Franklin's death in November 1904. By that time, Howard was aged 17, Carlton was 14, and Franklin II was 4. The fourth brother, Sam, was aged 20 and therefore was not considered a minor. Although Uncle Will did not have any children of his own, this generous act probably brought the family closer together and must have fostered a great loyalty towards him.

 

Automobile Plate, 1904

This small brass plate has a sad story. The plate measures 1.5 x 3 inches and is stamped with the words “Licensed under Selden Patent No. 549,160, Patented November 5, 1895.” My grandfather (Franklin II) had written on the outside of the envelope: “plate acquired by employee of the Bristol Co. at time of my father’s death – when his car was struck by RR train at the Bristol Company plant in Platts Mills – early 1900.”  The “early 1900” may refer to the “early 1900s.” His father (Franklin I) was returning from the Bristol Company on Monday evening, November 21, 1904, when he was killed by a train. I have posted an obituary with more information on this incident under this separate entry. 

In doing some research, George Selden claimed to have invented the first commercial gasoline engine in 1895, although Henry Ford strongly disputed this claim. Nonetheless, several automobile manufacturers at that time took out licenses under Selden’s patent and mounted this plate near the engines of their cars.

Franklin I Obituary and Automobile, 1904

This is the obituary for Franklin I, who was born on July 14, 1860 and died tragically on Monday, November 21, 1904. I think most of us have heard pieces of this story over the years, but it must have been a real tragedy for the family at that time.

According to this information, he had driven back to his office at the Bristol Company to get the newspaper on a Monday evening after having dinner with his family at their home on Platts Mills Road. While returning home, he was struck by a passenger train heading southward from Waterbury.

The article notes that he was driving a Stevens Duryea, such as the one below. Interestingly, the Bristol family was reported to have nine automobiles in 1904, which seems quite remarkable during that time of the automobile’s infancy. Because the family was full of engineers and inventors, they must have been fascinated with this new technology.

The first addition of the “Interstate Automobile Register and Tourist Guide” (provided by David, Jr.) was published in 1905.   According to this information, there were only 2,084 registered automobiles and motorcycles in Connecticut at that time. The listing included seven vehicles for the Bristol family: Edgar H. Bristol, Oldsmobile and Rambler; Frank B. Bristol, Cadillac; B.H. Bristol, Knox; B.B. Bristol, Ford; F.B. Bristol, Stevens-Duryea; and William H. Bristol, Stevens-Duryea.

Original Bristol Company Building

Like many successful companies (i.e., Apple, Google, and HP) it turns out that the Bristol Company was started in a garage! Here is a photo of the original carriage barn near Platt’s Bridge in Waterbury where Uncle Will and his brother Franklin I started the business in 1889. Uncle Will was also a professor at Stevens Institute of Technology at that time, while Franklin was probably working at Platt's Mills.

On the back of the photo is written “F.B. Bristol’s barn in which the Bristol Company was started.” According to an article in the Waterbury American from August 1934 (which I will attach in a future posting), before they could begin work, they had to move the horses and carriages to one corner of the building and mortgage the house to finance the necessary tools and equipment.

Two of Franklin I’s sons, Sam and Howard, can be seen standing in front of the building. Sam would later become secretary while Howard would become president.

The business reportedly remained at this location until 1892, when it was moved to its more permanent location with access to the railroad and more room for expansion.