Saturday, June 12, 1943
Algiers, North Africa

June 12, 1943 Diary Page

Today I came to the definate (sic) conclusion that there can hardly be any more beautiful place in the world then some of these spots in N. Africa. This morning we climbed out of the town of ____________ high into the mountains. From the time we got halfway up until we arrived here near Algiers we saw scenery that would put most that I’ve seen in the states to shame. It was early in the morning and a heavy dew had everything looking fresh and green. The gullies and ridges were brought into sharp relief by the slanting rays of the early sun. On top of one hill high up stood a beautiful church in the midst of a small village. It was evidently french (sic) as the steeples rose sharply to a point. The white houses with their red roofs stood out brilliantly against the green background of the huge mountains behind. The road wound slowly up a lane of lovely shade trees then down into the most gorgeous valley I’ve ever seen. It is useless to try to describe it in this short space. We pulled into this camp about ten thirty and it is a screwed up place. I got my Diamond-T wrecker and it sure is a beat up job. I couldn’t get a_____________ for love or money. I just had this buck passed on me all the way up here to find that they don’t have anything here to give. I’m taking all the _______ trucks up to Tunis so that solves the problem of space for the men. Tonight I went into Algiers and it was an interesting city and I wish that I could have seen it in peace time. The air raids had only worked over the dock area so very little of the town was damaged.

Good night.

To view previous diary entries, click here.

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The Day That Was: June 12, 1943

•    King George VI landed in Morocco, his second visit of the war to forces overseas. (http://www.fortunecity.co.uk/meltingpot/oxford/330/time.html#1943) •    The RAF launched a heavy raid on Bochum in the Ruhr. The Luftwaffe carried out a night attack against Plymouth. (http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/war-in-europe/european-air-war/european-air-war-index-1943.htm) •    The U. S. submarines, Amberjack and Grampus, failed to return from patrol operations and were presumed to be lost. The next of kin of personnel in the two submarines were so informed. (http://www.ibiblio.org/pha/comms/1943-06.html) •    The submarine, USS Trout (SS-202), landed personnel and supplies on Mindanao in the Philippines. (http://www.blountweb.com/blountcountymilitary/wars/ww2/timelines/1943_ww2.htm)
•    The German submarine, U-118, was sunk by aircraft (VC-9) from the escort carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) in the mid-Atlantic. (http://www.blountweb.com/blountcountymilitary/wars/ww2/timelines/1943_ww2.htm) •    A force of navy, Marine Corps and army fighter planes intercepted about 40 to 50 Japanese fighters in the vicinity of the Russell Islands, shooting down 25 Zeros, with eight more probably shot down. U.S. losses were six planes with all but two of the pilots being rescued. (http://www.ibiblio.org/pha/comms/1943-06.html)		U-118 under attack by aircraft from USS Bogue (CVE-9), June 12, 1943

1943 Diary Recaps

January 1943 Recap: We first met Lt. Reichard in January, stationed at McClellan Air Base in Sacramento, where he was in charge of a motor pool unit. Expecting to be sent overseas, their orders were changed and they became restless to see action. Lt. Reichard’s sweetheart, Ginnie, would write frequently, and he would go to dinner and movies with local girls – Dorothy, in Sacramento, and Marie, when the unit moved to Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho. The men have spent their days in lectures, and physical demonstrations to try to keep sharp mentally and physically. But they are getting increasingly restless.

February 1943 Recap: The unit continues to be restless as they still haven’t any orders for overseas. The days are kept busy with lectures, physical demonstrations, and frequent hikes in the mountains above Boise. Lt. Reichard receives a promotion to Lieutenant First Class and continues to write to Ginnie back home, though her letters are becoming more infrequent. February 1943 comes to an end with the unit still feeling bored and discouraged.

March 1943 Recap: March brings uncertainties in weather and daily life to Gowen Field. Still no word about overseas orders, the outfit must now share quarters with another unit. There is now time to begin a photo album, collecting pictures from times with the outfit. Letters from Ginnie are becoming more infrequent but there is no shortage of dates with the local girls in Boise. March comes to an end with everyone in the outfit anxiously awaiting word of upcoming furloughs.

April 1943 Recap: Last minute furloughs come through, and Lt. Reichard returns home to Maryland for some time with his family on the farm. He and Ginnie have a chance to talk things over and hopefully save the relationship. Just before leaving Boise, the unit gets orders that a move will come at the end of April. April comes to an end with the men spending a week in Stockton, California getting ready to ship out. But where they are going remains a mystery.

May 1943 Recap: The long journey begins by train as the outfit travels cross country to Camp Shanks, New York, where they will prepare to head overseas.  Lt. Reichard now knows the destination:  Casablanca, Morocco in North Africa.  After ensuring that all the supplies are in order, the outfit boards the “West Point”, the newest in troop carriers and heads to sea.  Lt. Reichard spends many peaceful evenings enjoying the time at sea before landing in Morocco.  May ends with the outfit setting up camp and adjusting to the customs of Morocco.

Lt. Reichard’s WWII Diary Project : On January 1, 2009, WorthPoint began a three year project following the life of a WWII soldier through the daily pages of his diary. To read about the inception of this project, or to add your own comments, click here.

Production Credits:
Diary transcription: Kathleen Long

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain Vista H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Bryan Smith – voice of Lt. Reichard

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