OFF THE CUFF MEMORY

Late NOV 1942 Fort Benjamin Harrison: Orders to Board a troop train. Harold Q. Kennedy Acting Corporal. New to the service no idea of what to do. No knowledge of where we were going. We rode several days. Occasionally we saw the name of a town. Some aboard would know what state. A lot would guess. Lots of different scenes. The only reason that I know of that I was assigned as Acting Corporal was I enlisted in to the service. I was one of the youngest on board.

Fresno CA.. Fairgrounds. Had been an Internment camp for American Japanese who were rounded up and interned after Pearl Harbor they had moved out shortly before we arrived. The showers were about shoulder high on me and I was only 5' 7". The bath stools were constructed of a wood board that had holes cut in it. Just below that a wood constructed Trench. After using -a rope ran down the back- to pull that tipped a bucket of water at one end to flush the stool. If several were in use at that time a lot of bouncing and cursing or loud remarks as they bounced up to permit the water to pass by. I must admit this was a vast improvement to most outhouses of that period. Also Baseball Star "Hank Greenburg" arrived and all were marched out to be led in calisthenics by a famous athlete. My stay was very Short. Soon I was on orders to Board a Troop Train. Again Destination Unknown to most on board.

DEC. 1942: Laredo AAF Base Laredo Texas: Aerial Training school. Started with lots of classroom work recognizing silhouettes of aircraft ,boats of both Friendly and Foe. Lot of shooting targets by light on a pinball type machine. Learning the Parts and working operations of guns and how to care for and clean. Bore sighting of the old Springfield so heavy I could hardly lift. Training to Sight and lead starting with BB-Guns and ending with riding in the back of an AT- 6 firing a machine gun with colored ammo. at an air sock pulled through the air by another AT 6. The color holes were counted to determine how many hits you had against the number of rounds you had. This was my first time at flying and we stood in the seat behind the pilot to fire the gun. We did have a belt attached and had received a few words about pulling the rip cord if the pilot said it was time to bail. An officer [Pilots, Bombardiers, and I believe Navigators were in the same class] One officer during turret training could not get into the ball he was too tall but he had to in order to Graduate. A face plate(have forgotten the nomenclature) was removed so his feet extended out and he was able to complete the course.

He was popular with the other officers and the enlisted in the class also. I believe he was the officer that was getting married on our graduation date. His fellow officers decide to haze him or at least the one that was to marry.. They overcame and shaved him, then painted him with Red Medicine. The Officer in Charge of the school heard about it and was very angry that the time was not spent in preparation for the final exam. He came through the barracks and told all that added to the test would be a requirement to write an essay on the operation of the .50 cal. from the time you pulled the trigger until another round was in the gun. All moving parts in sequence and proper nomenclature would be required. Several pages were necessary to complete all of that.

We also made a trip across the border into Mexico. It was definitely a different country. Anyone that has been to a border town knows the details. A person was with us by the name of Logan. We looked to him and Garcia as the Guides since they were fluent in Spanish. At the same time you did not need to know Spanish in most cases to know what was being said. I am certain Logan also went to Keesler and was with me on a few trips to New Orleans and Bourbon St. After we became tired and was ready to rest we went to the JUNG or St Charles Hotel and spent the balance of the night sleeping in the chairs or couches of the hallways and lobbies. One night he slept on a couch and was able to lay-down since he had it all to himself. The next morning his hip pocket had been slashed with a sharp instrument probably a straight razor and he was minus a billfold and all that was in it. He however was thankful that he did not wake up at the time it was taking place. He felt that if he had he would have met his end of his life then. I crossed his path at Keesler after my return from combat. He had spent the time in Hot Springs for an illness. Did not go to combat duties.

Jan 1943 Keesler AAB MS: By now I was a Buck Sgt. we were now in training as aircraft airframe and engine mechanics. On arrival at Keesler I was assigned as Barracks Chief of a group that had many, in pay grade and time in the service, who outranked me. I had a private room at one end of the barracks and Two floors plus several tents of personnel. Early each AM the charge of Quarters would wake me. I woke the personnel assigned to me And all prepared for the day. I may be in error now on which came first but I believe first I called roll. WOW where did some of the names come from -many I had to spell. After Roll call I gave my report "ALL PRESENT OR ACCOUNTED FOR SIR" Next all fell into formation for Calisthenics. After that preparations making the beds cleaning the latrines and floors etc. Then a March to the mess-hall. then back for any standby inspection, additional training or cleanup they had planned for the day. Usually an obstacle course or March. When we were assigned to a class a few days later after cleanup we marched to the dining hall for breakfast After the dips of our dining utensils in the hot water the soapy water and the rinse each dip of at least two coverage's we marched to the hanger where classes were taught. Upon return after the day of classes we had another muster and again attempted to call names passing out letters to those lucky enough to have received one . This was one formation most wanted to attend. After Training in both the B17 and B 24 which was done using any old aircraft available even though they never looked like either of those aircraft. A lot of time was spent on fuselage repair. How to round out cracks How to rivet larger sections. It would not be long before we knew why so much time was spent on that. One aircraft had 3 engines others were like Amelia Ehrhart flew- and other smaller aircraft.-We did not see a B 17 or a B 24 on the base. I do not believe the runways at the time were long enough for either came Graduation and some received a B17 others received a B24 Diploma, Late June 43 Once again we were assigned to a troop train destination Unknown

We had several stops ate meals in the train stations or had snacks and coffee from the Red Cross on the Platform beside the train tracks and usually found out where we were at the moment. Then back on the train for another ride to..?..Finally a stop where we were told not to get off the train. Boise Idaho A large Group Got on additional train cars which were added and we learned we were now a part of the 448th Bombardment Group (Heavy) I also learned I was assigned to Crew 48 of the 714th Bombardment Squadron I also received the names of the other crew members. Then the train pulled out. After a few days of travel we found ourselves at Wendover AAB Utah. There we met the other crew members and were assigned as a crew; officers to one BOQ ,enlisted in an enlisted BQ but together as a group.

Another Group was in training at the base. Often we saw smoke in the distance and knew another B 24 had been lost. We in the 448th did have a few bad situations but no crashes that killed anyone at that time. Our losses would start later. Upon completion of training we again departed for advanced training stopping this time at Sioux City Iowa. If I recall correctly most of our flying here was night missions and once we even flew in a B 17. I was happy that I was to stay in a B 24 . At least we had more room to move around and could go farther higher, faster and carry more of a payload than the B 17.

Aircrews were receiving airplanes as they came off the assembly line and orders came out assigning them a departure with a load of clerks paperwork etc. We did not know at the time but they flew to West Palm Beach ,FLORIDA. . I am not certain when they learned where they were going but I expect it was from a sealed envelope opened after they were airborne. That also happened when departing West Palm Beach as they were given a sealed envelope and told to fly in a specific direction and to open the envelope after being airborne to see their next destination. This procedure continued for some time until they informed us we had received our share of aircraft. The rest of us again found ourselves on a Troop Train that stopped at Grand Island, Iowa. There our summer items were taken away and replaced with winter clothing. A few days later we departed again After a secret train ride transferred in the cars to the Canadian railway system and ended the trip at Camp Shanks NY 11 Nov 43.

A few days later we were on a long march with duffel bags of clothing plus Our Fight Gear and Clothing placing it on trucks meeting the trucks and picking up the luggage and boarding a large ship later learned it was the Queen Elizabeth. We departed -no escort- it was fast enough to out run the subs. Daily we saw a B 24 going overhead. Some said checking to see if we were safe another that it was carrying fresh fruit and vegetables to the troops. Many rumors afloat. Day was very rough one day and we were literally walking on the walls. Showers were salt water. One was enough for me. The Splendor and Glamour were not there but it still had its beauty. Troops were everywhere. If you went on deck it was almost impossible to get to the rails. Sometimes the ship was stopped and word passed a sub was in the area . No sound was to be made by anyone. It was also passed that anyone tossing food paper even a cigarette into the water would face a court marshal. Nothing that would show a ship had been in the area was to be done. Rooms Previous swimming pools all spaces had been used to place beds and storage space. Barely room to walk. Thousands of GI's aboard. about 6 days later we departed the ship at the Furth of Clyde again a train ride for a couple days to England that stopped one night because German aircraft were nearby. The search lights played the skies and sounds of the anti-aircraft guns were heard for a while. Bombs were dropped in the distance with flashes of the Impact. Curtains were drawn in the darkness but some were caught peeking and heard from the conductor. In a short while the train continued its journey to a small town between Bungay and Seething. Trucks awaited us and the Squadron CO Glassel Stringfellow greeted me with a "Hello Sgt Kennedy" as he reached up and assisted me in getting my baggage off the train.

The mud, mist and ice of a newly constructed airbase greeted us. No sidewalks a centralized shower and other bathroom facilities quite a distance from the huts. After a shower or a trip of nature calls a muddy trip through the chill, mist and mud to the Hut that was heated with an extremely small stove that all tried to keep burning day and night. Eventually we gathered enough pieces of planks and boards to lay out something like a walk. Even then a little mud on it-it became a slippery obstacle to answering the call of nature. The group of two crews in the hut gathered around the little pot-belly stove often with blankets across the shoulders in attempt to get a little warmth.

( I returned to England later in my military Career and my family huddled around a similar stove in 56-57 With most rooms blocked off in an attempt to ward off the cold. My children yet make remarks about the bitter cold of the English weather and no central heat or insulated houses. Also they rode a bus to Bushy Park to attend school. They left home in the dark early am and returned in the dark late PM. Another memory that lingers in their mind.

The Barrage Balloons and their cables everywhere that we had to pass through in the continuous fog and clouds to assemble our aircraft in the formation. We all agreed the Balloons were necessary to keep England afloat. The lights at Night searching for that unidentified aircraft high in the sky and the sounds of the anti-aircraft fire as the Home Guard displayed their skills. The aircraft now reflecting its image caught in the cross of the beams of light.

The crews that welcomed us to the 8th (93rd BG I believe) that had experienced combat. They were to lecture us on what we were to expect.. They were -Excellent LIARS- or were trained by someone in Washington DC that had no knowledge of the facts. I'll never forget that little tail- gunner telling us "Don't worry about the Flak it is just there to scare you" .He also said he was on his way to the states to tour and train those coming over as replacements. I wish he could have seen some of the things I saw as the result of that friendly Flak. I also believe but not positive that it was the crew of the "Memphis Belle"(The Belle was in the 91st BGp)The fact that they claimed that they were returning to the States to tour and train makes me wonder just who they were.

On the first trip to Norwich on the way I met an Englishman in a PUB purchased a bicycle from him. It would make a few trips to Norwich and a Pub there where I met an English girl. She wanted to sing a song since she was tired of hearing "Turn Me Over in the Clover and do it Again" and the other popular PUB songs of the day. I young bold and with the support of a few" Bitters or HAF N HAF " stood and screamed at the top of my voice for all to get quiet the Young Lady wanted to sing. Surprised they did and she sang a Bing Crosby popular "Swinging On A Star". It brought forth a very loud applause from the crowd and requests for other songs I believe she and I were together when I visited Norwich until one evening she asked if we could take some "Fish and Chips" to her

family. I purchased and it was all wrapped up in newspapers she had brought as was the custom. The man of the house I believe her Grandfather complained continuously about the order being too big & to much. I left my bicycle with her. I believe it was on my next mission I went to the hospital I did not see her again but I do recall she lived about 1/2 a block down the street from the PUB and Close to the Red Cross. In the area where the trucks picked us up or dropped us off on our Excursions to Norwich.

The 2:30 to 03:00 am WAKE UP Calls from the CQ . The cold business trips to the outhouse Messhall, Operations briefing on Mission, Route to be taken and target, Route of return, Weather to expect which we knew it would be just the opposite to that stated. Where we might have fighter protection, and a Chaplin's Prayers & Blessing. Then the final preparations, pickup of escape kits, Hard Chocolate and chutes{ I usually took two a chest pack and a back pack. Once I took a seat pack but that was not to my liking for further missions}Then the trip to the aircraft and sit and wait until the clouds and fog lifted a little or the word came to go or mission cancelled. The engines all starting one at a time until approx. 100-(4 to each aircraft) radials were singing their song. Next we taxied into position assigned and took off one behind the other just a few seconds apart into the fogs and clouds. Holding our breath and head darting in all directions as we watched for other aircraft, cables of the balloons, or a ray of sunlight to tell us we made it through the obstacle course. Then we circled and watched other aircraft numbers in an attempt get into the position that we were assigned to fly. On several trips from our base to Great Yarmouth and back we circled for the proper position before departure to the target. During that period many other aircraft appeared in the sky around us doing the same routine. Not only were we watching to prevent collision, we were preparing for departure putting on additional clothing,and checking oxygen masks Loading our Guns, checking turret operation, putting on our Mae West, Flak-Jacket, steel helmet. In all it made for a very long day. No matter Go or Mission cancelled.

On arrival in England for some reason a Lt. Hager was assigned to our crew as Navigator;however, he flew with another crew on the first Group mission and the aircraft and crew were lost. The story told at that time the aircraft he was in slid under another as the bombs were dropped. Now book- writers state it was a plane from another Group that fell victim to the bomb drop. Crew 48 flew their first mission on the Groups second Mission. Our stateside Navigator Harold Suss was reassigned to the crew prior to our first mission.

So far as most of the crew in the rear of the plane was concerned we had -had enough. We had been through a lot and had seen a lot. Today we had severe aircraft damage a long way from home, lagging some and fighters after those that were struggling and were already dropping out of formation. A B24 to the right suddenly stopped in mid air. The right wing folded ub high above the aircraft. Then parts started falling off as the aircraft nose dipped slightly and it started a slow spiral downward. Its downward speed increasing rapidly. A watch for parachutes. I do not recall at the moment whether we saw any from this particular aircraft.

There was Switzerland just across the lake "WHY?- did our pilot choose to try to get back to England?" He has still not told me but I believe he will agree we had a Guardian Angel riding with us as on many of the trips we made -Especially this one. I am still not 100% satisfied with what mission we were on and had to land at an RAF installation but I believe it was this one. Perhaps some more research will clarify that.

One evening it was time for our trucks to pick us up. They were to be there by 10pm. We searched [All trucks appeared the same no obvious markings] for the correct group and loaded the trucks until the person in charge said that is all. The rest of you " Wait in the Red Cross I will send a truck back after you." We did and after a while word was passed that the truck was awaiting. We headed out but the Military Police stood on the stairway checked our passes and it was then a few minutes after midnight. They would not accept the word of anyone even the Red Cross Staff that the truck had been returned to pick us up after the overload situation on the earlier trucks. Those of us who had missed the earlier trucks had passes that expired at midnight so we were loaded into MP vehicles and spent the balance of the night behind bars some place. The next day we were placed on the street in front of the MP gates and had to find our way back to the base. No notes or passes were given to authorize our return to station. Fortunately the truck driver had informed the group as to what took place. A passing truck driver recognized me and he was going back to Seething if I wanted to ride with the Cargo. I was able to ride in front seat. The others rode the rear. I have forgotten what he said he had but I believe he said he had been to the Depot and had a load of Ordinance-.50 Cal-Ammo or Bombs --or something else I do not know but I welcomed the ride I was lost in all bearings. We had no idea where we were or what roads to take to return to Station 146..

On the Station 146 ( Seething) one day I recall seeing something that I do not recall but once. A sort of Trench or guard station that had a short chain link fence. It was near the Exchange I believe, anyway The Stars and Stripes was on display with large headlines " GLENN MILLER MISSING". Our hut was under a water tower and otherwise I recall little about the location of what was on the base. Our Orderly Room had a sign in front of it and was the only unit on the base that displayed such a sign while I was there but today I have no idea what that sign said.

A man on another crew [ I recall he was from Chicago ] in our barracks pulled out a very small gun one day. Looked like a cap gun that I had not long ago. He said "shoot it- pull the trigger" and I complied with his request. It put quite a dent in the stove pipe from the pot- belly stove and the wall of the Quonset. It was no time at all before a guard from the tower was in our hut to check out the cause of the Explosion.

I was red-lined and never received pay often in those days I could never tell if my pay was correct. I still believe I was under paid in those days; I have recently seen a set of orders listing me as a private on the trip across to England. When I told him recently that he had busted me I had to refresh his memory--A member of our crew always hung out in the OR and while in Sioux City he picked up a pad of Passes laying on the desk of a friend of his. That was during the time that the Group CO would not let anyone off station. He brought them to the barracks and someone suggested we go to town and get a bite. Three passes were completed with some unknown signature affixed. As we approached the gate he and the other dropped behind as I presented my pass to the MP on duty. They stood in the street talking to each other. The MP checked my pass stepped inside and made a telephone call. to the Sq CQ. Seeing this the other two continued their journey down the street. The MP told me to report to the CO the first thing in the AM. I did but all I found out was he did not have time to see me. Last I heard about it for years to come.

Speaking of Guns there was another time a serviceman took his weapon out into the fields next to the base thinking he would have a tasty Rabbit to eat instead of the canned SPAM. A farmer came screaming " The Rabbits belong to the King don't kill the Kings rabbits" Or something along those lines. The next day a memo from the Group CO was on all Bulletin Boards Rabbit Hunting was forbidden. Local farmers if you had the funds would sell you fresh eggs and other local products as long as you met the price. But this practice too was frowned on due to honey- bucket type fertilizers, etc.

I also recall a dance that had a lot of Girls from a (in my mind they wore a Naval uniform) station near Great Yarmouth brought in. I was not a dancer but a very cute freckled little redhair Gal kept trying to get me to dance that night. She did not set on the sidelines. She had many offers and did dance often but returned to me for her rest periods. She invited me to Yarmouth but I never made the trip. This may have been when the group completed its 100th Mission in June of 44. I do not recall but it was an interesting evening.

Trip to London and the famous "Windmill Theater" the home of a sexy stage show, which stayed open continuously during the Blitz. Showgirls (much braver than I) ignored German Buzz bombs and performed for the servicemen and others. A neon sign "We Never Closed!" was above the ticket window for several years after the war ended. After the War many well known artists got their start at the Windmill. One of them was Peter Sellers whose parents raised him while traveling the vaudeville circuit. When drafted at 18 years of age into the RAF he was assigned to entertain the troops.

The theater may have presented some very good song and dance routines. If so I no-longer recall that part of the show. I remember the curtain slowly rising reveling a group of bare legs then body then upper feature of a beautiful group of girls. A scene of naked women posing in an artistic fashion then the curtain fell and all was quiet for a while until the curtain would again rise with another artistic scene of perfectly poised beautiful girls. A continuous parade of naked beauty. At all times the girls were like statues and at all times were positioned where no pubic area was ever visible. It was said that if one moved slightly or lost balance even when a noise was heard it was a Vulgar scene and the scenes could be immediately discontinued and the show closed by the "Bobbies" apparently watching carefully from the curtains. As long as no movement it was a good show. It became an obscenity when one quivered a little. We did see a roll of the eyes or slight movement in the ranks and held our breath to see if that was the end of the show. It could have been a part of the show but it did keep our attention. All was Quiet from the Audience the evening I attended. I do not recall any cat- call Whooping or unusual sounds. Off hand do not recall any clapping we all sat waiting for what came next. When the show was over I do recall a serviceman in the lower front right hand side heading to the curtains in front instead of the exit to the rear of the theater. Perhaps I have now met that person via the Internet. I never again returned to London during that period. The greetings the next AM is documented in my webpages. If I had returned I'm certain I would have spent it at the Windmill.

My tour ended. I was hospitalized for a while then orders sent me to the Liverpool area. We had a few nights on the town. A service man in my barracks had a date on the night before we were to depart but he said his clothing was not back from the cleaners. Being the same size he asked that I loan him a pair of trousers so he could keep his date. The next AM we were to have a Show Down on our baggage then depart to Board the "Queen Mary" for the return trip home. The loaned trousers were a mess. It was the wrong time of the month to loan clothing or have a date. I had no choice but display them at show down but I did not wish to pack them in my Luggage with other clothing. For once a kind officer inspected the articles. He asked me why that item was not where it should be. I told him and he listened after taking a quick look he turned to an enlisted man assisting in the inspection and a few minutes later I had a pair of trousers about 5 sizes too large but clean enough to pack for shipment. Mine were passed to another enlisted man for other necessary action. I also recall a person- a officer - rank of Major- whose luggage was opened for inspection. Several personnel had suddenly appeared on the scene. It was unusual to see any officer undergoing a show-down. A member of the inspecting team reached down and moved some items--- the officer moved and was quickly pounced on and taken into custody. I have often wondered about this. Was he hiding war souvenirs? That was against the rules but it was done, as we know today. Was he hiding money? We could only arrive with so much and leave with so much. I do not recall what insignia he had. The uniform those days was the same for AAF or any other branch of the service. Difference was in the insignia Uniform for officers Green Blouse and Pink Slacks. Was he someone attempting to return home pretending he had completed his tour? A question I'll never receive an answer to.

On this occasion I asked for Joan of Ark" Kidney Beans", Cheese and crackers, etc. and anything else they could send in the way of food. This letter got through and a nice box of spaghetti. tomatoes. beans, cheese, etc arrived from home. Sgt Muscarello our Radio Operator headed to the messhall where he obtained other items he thought we would need. He then took over as cook and made us a very tasty meal on the little potbelly stove in our hut. I found out later it was a problem , with the rationing in the States and coupons needed, etc. But all worked together and I received a box of Goodies that was enjoyed by the enlisted members of Crew 48. The other crew in the hut was on a mission.