DIARY & LETTERS

In the cover of the diary is this handwritten quote:

"To think of the past is to regret it, to think of the future is to fear it, but the present is not that the only understandable reality.  No man has really eaten until he has starved, or been clean until he has felt the lice nestling around him, or has lived until he has felt death,” James Hilton “Knight Without Armor”

(Diary) September 8, 1941 – Sailed from San Francisco on President Coolidge

Margaret and family were down early to tell me goodbye – felt confident that in a few months I would be able to send for Margaret to join me in the Philippines. 

(Letter) September 9, 1941 

My writing is never the best but with the boat pitching it will probably be unreadable.  Finally, we pushed off and as the lights of San Francisco, dying away, took me farther away from my homeland and my loved ones.  You can imagine my feelings.  Dear, you don’t really know how much this man of yours loves you I knew at fist that there was an undeniable attraction from you, but after you became my wife.  The sweetness and dearness of you made me completely goofy about you.  Believe me when I say I am so terribly grieved that I had to go away and leave you behind and I realize that it isn’t going to be easy for you, but sweet, it isn’t going to be easy for me; because there is nothing that can compensate for not being with you.  Any opportunity I can get to come back or to have you come to me, will be eagerly grasped.  It is so hard to write with the boat seemingly standing on end.  Our meals have been excellent we have nice quarters. There are four Lt’s in our cabin, but will leave at Honolulu.  You must find out about the mail and write me by “Clipper” if possible and let me know all the news.  Wish I had your sweet picture with me.  Be sure and write to me my love.

(Letter) September 10, 1941

I feel so much better today.  Either the sea is calmer or I am becoming accustomed to the boat.  Have been studying a lot as there isn’t much else to do.  They had a picture show on board last night but I have already seen the picture, “Strawberry Blonde” so went to bed about 9:30.  Two of my fellow roommates are leaving the boat at Honolulu.  We will be there over the weekend, and I will mail this letter.  Funny, but the Lt. that is going all the way to the Philippines is from Minn.  He has been married only four months but having been on active duty has been with his wife only about a month out of that time.  So you can imagine the moans and groanings we learnt from our cabin.  Well, I just have to take it and guess I shouldn’t take up all the paper space talking about something that cannot be helped.  You know sweet, when I think of you, and that is often I feel so elated because I am so proud of my little wife.  I wouldn’t trade you for anybody or anything. And I just somehow believe that you will be mighty true to me.  I know you like to have a good time and etc but this is something so deep between us that will get you over any tough spot.

(Letter) September 11, 1941

Dear Baby:  The morning was very cloudy and rain storm gathered.  We are all lying around taking it easy and conversing as men want to do.  My thoughts are of you, if I could only hear from you.  Particularly upset this morning, talked to employees aboard ship who went out to an island about 8 weeks ago and they tell me that there is an airbase being built at Zamboango which is about 500 miles from Manila in a southerly direction and another place about 300 miles to the north of Manila.  Both places are very wild and uncivilized and I’m hoping I don’t draw one of them.  I wonder how things are going at the bank.  What you are doing, hours long.  Before I can send for you, how I was ever so lucky as to find someone like you.  Will you write to me by the fastest way you can.  You have better address it to Lt. Basil J Gilbert, US Army Philippines Department 90 Air Corps, PhilippinesIslands.  Give my love to the folks and tell them I really miss them.  It is remarkable how I am attaining my sea leg and the enormous quantities of food I put away at meal times.  Always remember it is better to eat a lot when traveling on sea, because if you ever let yourself be convinced you are sick – you are – Love Basil

(Letter) September 11, 1941

Yesterday or today rather its Wednesday back In Watsonville, but here where I am it is Thursday.  I went to bed Tuesday night and woke up the next morning to find that we had gained a whole day.  Everyday we either have to set our watches back one half to hour and I have a dickens of a time keeping my hours straight.  But my old stomach is the best timepiece of all and when eating time comes.  You can find Bas rightly among them.  They have a small oversized sink in which they put about 7 feet of water.  I splashed around today for sometime and really enjoyed myself.  After about half an hour I noticed the tell tale red marks and beat a hearty retreat for my cabin.  This Tropical sun is as hot as blazes but you don’t realize it so much when you are out on the ocean.  But, just stay in it too long and you have a nice sun bun as you could wish.  You know Dear, I have one special time every night before going to sleep when I just think and think about you.  I think so many things, about the past, about the present, but mostly about the future.  How much more would enjoy the trip if you were going along. Funny, but is it, we are all creatures that really we may be forever so independent but we cannot stand alone.  We find someone we love and it doesn’t make any difference where we are, what we do as long as that person is around.  We are more or less happy.  But if we do ever so many things, go places people talk about, mix with countless crowds, we always feel alone unless our beloved is with us.  Sweet, there just isn’t anything, anybody can take the place of being separated from you.  I quite frankly say to hell with everything and everybody, I miss my baby.  Now, you know how I feel.  At present and more than likely for at least a year though, I have to take whatever is dished out whether I like it or not.  I am going to do my duty and my work to the best of my ability but there will never be one minute that somewhere throbbing within me isn’t a thought for you.  At the time I may have a job in hand and it may be hidden under a mass of necessary work, but as soon as the rush is over, back it will plop into the forefront.  Give all the folks my best regards.  I know you love me and will be time to me.  I just know it.  I love you, dear.  Basil. X  marks the spot.

(Letter) September 12, 1941

Dearest:  Tomorrow we reach Honolulu, early in the morning.  Have been unable to find out how long we are going to stay there.  It will be a long time before you hear from me again.  It will be at least the first of October before I reach Manila and I don’t know how long it will take before a letter comes back to you.  Dear, it would be so wonderful if there was a letter awaiting me at Manila.  How I would kiss it and devour every word.  From rumors going around they are pretty authentic, the Air Corps is building bases in the Philippines a long way from Manila back in the jungle where disease and savages live.  It may be my luck to get one of these assignments.  Whatever I get I will do my best to do my job.  Darling, I love you more and more, never forget it, will you?  Every man in my cabin has girlitus, we all are carrying the torch.  Last night we had a bull session, and each man gave out about his lady love.  I am convinced that we all were convinced that each one had the only girl in the world at least I think so.  Dear, why don’t you write a little to me every day or so and then when the letter reaches me, I will have a lot of news in my sweethearts hand writing.  You can bet one thing.  If ever they allow American women to come back to the Island you must be on the first boat.  I am very certain that they will allow us to have our wives, when and if, the international crises with Japan gets better.  Now conditions are too dangerous, because from what I understand of vernacular of people having been over there lately.  It is a veritable powder keg.  This is a magnificent boat we spend our time in reading, playing cards, deck tennis, letter writing and other time killers.  The Pacific Ocean is really beautiful.  I can understand where the name Blue Pacific comes from.  Dear, this is the last paragraph for a long time.  Keep me in your heart and your mind because I am your man and I love you very much. Love Basil.

(Diary) September 13, 1941 – Reached Honolulu – Spent a delightful half-day ashore.  Visited the hotel the Royal Hawaiian and famous “Waikiki Beach”- The last mentioned was disappointing Hawaii has been over publicized or over commercialized – However the weather was perfect and I did enjoy myself.  The Coolidge was a fine luxury liner and we spent our days taking sun baths, playing deck croquet, reading and other amusements.  At night we would have a picture show.  On the ship were a lot of casual officers, the 200th C.A. from New Mexico and Tank Outfit from Illinois, there were about 1900 Officers and men aboard ship.  The meals were particularly gratifying as I traveled first class, I got a real 18 day feast – Everyday we were getting closer to our destination and at night the ship traveled in ”Blackout.”

(Letter) September 16, 1941

My Dear, we arrived in Honolulu at 7:30am, Saturday morning, spent the day in Waikiki Beach, Hawaiian Hotel and other famous places.  Honolulu is pretty and has a nice climate but I realize I would tire of it if I had to live here.  That boat was to leave at 5 pm, so couldn’t tarry very long in any one spot.  When the big liner finally pulled out of the Bay we were being convoyed, we learned.  Navy tanker was in the lead about two hundred yards and in our rear about two hundred yards the grim looking Cruiser. The Astoria was silent warning for all strangers to stay away.  Right after dinner we had our first complete Blackout.  No lights anywhere and we had to wander around in the dark.  It would have been swell, if I had only had my baby with me to pull close to me often and give her a big hug and kiss.  As it is, the blackout is becoming a problem.  Our days are spent in reading and playing games or taking siestas because it is really getting hot.  Then when night falls about 7pm we have nothing to do, no place to read.  Do you understand, this is no picnic.  Had my second shot of Typhoid and did get to lay low.  Begin to get dizzy and felt as if all my hair was standing on end.  The doctor said the antidote gave a slight cause of fever and if what I went through is any example, please deliver me from anymore.  Today, I feel much better and as a sure sign, ate a big breakfast.  Will read some this morning and spend part of the afternoon getting prepare myself for things to come.  Because I understand that in the Philippines now, the soldiers wear a short shirt and shorts so it would be well for me to have a little tan before being subjected to blistering sun.  Dear, I wonder if you know what it is really like to miss someone, you couldn’t as I miss you.  How I long for you and curse me that sent me on the other side the world leaving my heart in Watsonville, California.  Any study of the human body will make if quite clean that a person can not live at all unless he has a heart.  Well I will only exist until I can be with you again.  Never forget that I love you and you are my dear little wife.  Please write to me as often as you can and don’t fail to send me some pictures.  I wish I could express how really I love you so much more then ever will I be able to tell you. 

(Letter) September 22, 1941

My darling, yesterday was very quite. About 3pm it started getting very dark and we noticed a eclipse of the sun. My time could be described as reading and loafing.  There isn’t really anything to do.  I have no duties on board.  The ship is very crowded with soldiers who are sleeping in every available spot.  They even have lots for them out on a couple of promenade decks.  The weather is very hot and at night we feel it even more so, I am tired of loafing and look forward to getting to Manila so as to get busy and stop thinking so much.  After all, it doesn’t do me any good to feel sorry for myself or you and I find myself invariably doing so.  I guess sweet what we will have to do is to consider there are lots of people in the world separated by this old war and to be thankful that we both are so in love.  So that a year, while it will hurt like the dickens now, will not be missed so much once we have a chance to be with each other the rest of our lives.  My dear, never for a minute forget that I love you so dearly, that you have your man and your mate, and that nothing is as important and as the fact we do have each other.  Other girls have to worry about being popular and what the boys think and etc but you can just tell everybody to go straight to hell because you know that out here is a man, your man.

(Letter) September 23,1941

Dear Baby, It is all over but the shouting.  In a couple of days we will be rounding the turn and following the coast line of the Philippines right into the Manila Bay.  We will all be glad to get there because this has been a long trip and the “Blackouts” at night along with the slowing down to the speed of the escort vessel has had the effect of making us all very anxious to set foot on Terra ferma.  Dear, if such a thing were possible my most fervent thing would be to have a sweet letter awaiting me.  But that is such a wild hope.  We must find out about clipper schedule though.  You can find out at the post office.  Get you some mail paper and write sweet things to me.  Honey, each day makes me completely more goofy about you.  I haven’t even reach there.  Probably will write one more letter to you before the boat docks.  I guess you will be completely work out by the time you finish reading this long letter, but I will promise to cut them down in the future.

(Letter) September 23, 1941

Darling, this is all about a picture.  You know the picture I had blown up, the one full length of you.  I don’t believe I could make it if it wasn’t for that picture.  I take it out and look at it over and over.  Kiss it and then.  I just.  It’s on the dresser top and I just look and look.  Somehow, that picture does something to me.  It looks back at me and seems to say, never mind dear I love you so much and you needn’t worry about me.  I am yours forever and no one will come along.  Dear, that makes me feel good and I feel inspired to think my sweet really does love me.  So you see that little picture is just about all there is to my existence since you are not with me.  Dear. I do love you so.  Basil “Important”

Dear, it is important for you to keep this page and perhaps refer to it in the future.  As you know, I have no idea as to where I am to be stationed, or how long I will be in the Philippines.  In fact, the future is utterly blank.  Now in the advent, circumstances would arise, like over going to war or my being in some very out of the way place, do not worry if you don’t hear from me as often as you would like.  Remember dear, I love you more than anything else in the whole world and the only reason you will never hear from me at very close intervals would be because of lack of transportation.  Keep this sweet, as a token of my love and desire to return to you.  Love Basil.

(Letter) September 24, 1941 – About 800 miles from Manila

Good morning dear, it is all over but the shouting now.  All over the ships, I can see uplift in morale.  We are all anxious to find out our assignments and duties.  Yesterday, we stopped for over an hour while a small boat from the cruiser ahead of us came back and brought a chart of the San Bernardino Straits.  The Navy has mined all the district and we will have to be mighty careful else there will be a loud explosion and a lot of us will find ourselves struggling in the Pacific.  For about 300 miles we follow the coastline of the Philippines and that should prove very interesting just the sight of land, and land would prove a needed relief.

(Letter) September 24, 1941 (To the Family)

Dear folks, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the kind way you took me into the family.  It makes it doubly nice that the girl I love has a family that I like.  Please don’t feel that Margaret has made a mistake.  The only mistake she could have made, is not to love me like she thought, because I love her very much.  Naturally I realize that it is not best to ever marry in haste, but my very life is a tribute to the fact that I do know my own mind.  I married Margaret simply because I loved her, because in her I found qualities I wanted my wife to posses.  I realized that there were many things that would arise like in every newly married couple.  Lives would necessitate adjustments.   But I was very sure that our good common sense would work out any problems.  After being married such a short time, I am now more sure then ever of our future.  I know that, given a chance, Margaret and myself could be very happy together.  It is a damn shame that we had to part especially so soon, and I certainly feel for my little wife.  Our only consolation, and that does not take care of the long lonely house, is that all over the world men and women are saying goodbye.  It is just fate that I have to be one of those men, but I am sure Margaret will be just as brave and just as good a wife as I am trying to be a soldier.  The future of myself is certainly obscure but isn’t everybody’s.  I know that someday I will be back and again that day I am endeavoring to save something each month so that we can have something when perhaps a great many people will be in dire circumstances.  Please do this for me.  Let Margaret live her own life.  I would rather she did whatever she does with the thought that it is for love than because of any parental influence.  I love her more than I even love myself, but I know enough to realize that there is only one way, I always want her, that is to love me.  She is yours and naturally likes to have a good time.  I would be a very selfish person unless I also wanted her to have a good time.  I never wanted her to feel as if she is tied down by marriage.  Someday I will be coming back and then we will try and capture a lot of the happiness we both are missing.  I wanted you both to know how I feel about my wife.  Please let me know if there is anything that she needs and you think she should have.  I naturally have not heard whether she lost her job or not.  If she has I want to send her something to pay her expenses.  Thanks again for all your kindness. Sincerely, Lt. Basil J Gilbert. 90 US Army Air Corps Philippine Island.

(Diary) September 26, 1941 – We sailed into Manila Harbor.  The dock was a scene of intense activity – Some officers came aboard and notified us of our temporary assignments.  I was to go to “Nichols Field” (Photo above) outside of Manila and report to C.O. of Air Corps for further assignment.  We finally got our luggage off and were away to Nichols.  This field was just a few minutes drive from the dock and were soon assigned quarter in the B.O.Q.  We were told that we were free until the next morning Saturday.  Some of us not being properly outfitted for the tropical weather took advantage of the “Tailors” that were swarming over the BOQ and put in an order for clothes.  I ordered some uniforms and sharkskin suit for the next day.  The next morning the Air Corps Adjutant greeted us and assigned us to either “Clark Field” or “Nichols” – I was to go to Clark on Monday.

(Diary) October 1, 1941 – Arrived at Clark Field – Lt. Col. Maitland was commanding Officer and Major Les Johnson, Adjutant.  I was assigned to quarters #4, Ft. Stotsenburg.  There were four of us.  The other three officers were with the Philippine Scouts Field Artillery.  I was assigned to Air Corps Supply under Capt. Randolph.  Lt. Kenneth O. Fuelscher and myself divided up the work.  About 1st of November I moved in with Lt. Fuelscher, Lt. Jerry and couple of Air Corp pilots just fresh from the States.  Until Dec. 1, “Clark field” was a center of activity.  A couple of squadrons of B-17s arrived and the 19th group from the states – Air Corp Supply was very busy and was in process of reorganization to take care of the expansion.  I went to Manila a couple of weekends – We flew down in B-18, and I enjoyed myself very much – Col Maitland left the field to take charge of a new organization to facilitate expansion of airfields in Philippines and Maj. Moe Daly took his place.  

(Letter) October 1, 1941

Darling, I have been in the Islands for five days.  The first three days were spent in Manila.  We arrived on Friday.  There were about twenty of us assigned to the Air Corps.  After we had spent half a day interviewing different officers and filling out our experiences and etc on paper, we were released until Monday morning.  I spent Saturday and Sunday riding around the city.  The people are so very poor although some sections are very nice, the great majority are pretty miserable.

Sweet, one thing is sure even if I didn’t want to because I just don’t go for these native women.  They all have long black hair and are forever combing it.  It is generally known that most of the poorer classes have lice in their hair and diseases, is very common.  Of course there is a high type Philippines but they are very few.  Some of the half breeds don’t look so bad but when you look at the rest of the populace, it just doesn’t even up.

I am now at my station Clark Field, Fort Stotsenburg, Pampango, Philippines Islands.  It is sixty miles from Manila and the climate is much better at the present time I am living with three other officers in a house until quarters are available for the Air Corps Officers.  The chief trouble here is that there is very little recreation at present.  There are probably 500 or more officers here, and about 4000 enlisted men.  The closest town is a hovel about six miles distance.

The situation will probably improve though.  My quarters are excellent and living is cheap.  We pay our cook and houseboy, another houseboy, and two native women that do our laundry every day, approximately 65 pesos a month. In American dollars that is 32.50 and laundry by four, each pays around $8 for four servants.  The food is very excellent.  I made a mistake of 20 pesos, so it cost us each around $10.50.  We buy our food through the government commissary, so sweet.  If I can ever get your over here you will be the lady of a house with at least three servants.  Dear, I told you all the way over how much I miss you and honey I feel even more that way now.  There isn’t anything anywhere can take the place of not having you with me.  I asked for a very tough job and got it.  I am going to be in the Air Corps Station Supply.  That means I will have to study all about planes and know every piece that goes in one, or all different makes because our department handles all the parts and supplier that come here.  The Air corps will mean a lot of night study but at least will give me something to do and keep me from feeling sorry for myself.  Besides I feel that if I ever go back into civil life, an expert knowledge of planes will not hurt my chances of keeping the world away from my darling, Love.

Haven’t received my pay for the last month due to the slowness of the mail but I don’t really need anything.  All we have to do over here is sign over names and anything we want is charged to us.  In about six weeks I am going to Manila and select you some presents for Xmas.  How would you like a Mandarin Robe.  They are very beautiful and we couldn’t afford one back in the states but here I can buy one very reasonably.  What size shoes do you wear?  If I don’t hear from you I will have to take a chance on some Chinese slippers. Dear how much do you love me?  Do you miss me, please tell me some sweat things.  Darling, you are my very inspiration.  Love Basil.

Dear, our houseboy and our cook do not make much. Our cook works from 5am to 7:30 or 8 at night.  We pay him top 40 pesos per month or $20.  How is little sister or should I say big sitter and dad and mother and the kids and my brother and law and sister in law. You must tell them all I say “Commusta” which means hello or how are you in Philippines and don’t forget Grandma and by the way if those pictures don’t hurry and get here you wont have a some man for husband but a raving lunatic.  Dear, there is so much I have to tell you.  But what I keep thinking is how I love you.  Sometimes really dear, I lay wake at night and just think and think about you.   Try to imagine you are near me and I think of the many nice things I could do for you.  Dear you know you haven’t married any half measurer man.  When I asked you to marry me I told you I meant it and that I was sure and everyday makes me so much more sure of how much you mean to me. I am glad that I can feel so intense, glad that I am capable of loving, glad that being away hurts, glad that every waking moment, I just go on loving you and dreaming of the day where I can hold you in my arms never to let you go.  Sometimes I think how bad it must be for you and I wonder if you are glad that you married that young man that came into your life so suddenly and meant so much for such a short time.  I know my wife is beautiful and desirable, but I pray that I have not loved in vain.  That she loves me as intensely as I love her.  I would love to have her tell me she is glad she is married and that she will wait and be true to me.  This letter should reach my sweet by next Saturday or Monday and if she is nice and writes to me right away in about two weeks.  I should have the answers to so many questions.  With all my love dear.  Basil Headquarter Clark Field, Fort Stotsenburg, Pampango.

(Letter) October 4, 1941

Dear baby, because of sending letters by clipper, I will have to utilize ever little space in my letters to you and sweet you do the same.  You can always mail yours at the post office and they will tell you how much.  Today is Saturday and I am just loafing.  You can not imagine how low the morale of the post is.  There must be about 4000 white soldiers and 500 officers and about 8 nurses at the hospital.  The only women in 60 miles are the grumpy led, black laundresses.  Every officer I speak to in pinning away for his sweetheart or his wife.  Darling, as yet I haven’t received any mail and you must know how disappointed I am.  A letter from you means so much, dear.  You must send me at least once a week a letter by clipper.  I am so anxious to know how you are doing, whether you lost your job etc.  Today, I put in a few orders with some of the local Chinese merchants.  I have started buying you some Xmas presents.  It would be virtually impossible to buy these articles back in the states.  I want you to send me all your sizes.  From time to time I may want to buy you something.  If I new your measurements it would be better.  Measure yourself and make a drawing so I will have something to go by.  It is not so terribly hot here at present.  This is cooler than Manila of course and is hotter then the states but they say you get used to it, and besides very few exert themselves like they do back home.  I bought me some white shorts for today and tomorrow.  Well play a few holes of golf.  They have a small golf links here and three or four tennis courts.  All officers belong to the officers Club and everything is therefore free.  On Sundays you can get horse for 25 centavos, that means 12 ½ and rids as long as you like.  I am not going this Sunday, but will next.  They are trying to make things as nice as they can for us as higher ups realize that it is plenty tough on all of us without our loved ones.  I am tying to go along without griping but everyone once in awhile I have to catch myself before I let off some steam.  If I could only hear from you things would be so much brighter.  Just to hear you say that you loved me more than anyone else in the whole world would give me so much more courage and determination.  Tell Bill that the work situation as for I can find so for is not so good.  The people are the lowest paid of any I have ever come in contact with.  Just think some of these women work from early in the morning until late in the evening for 15 pesos per month, washing and rinsing all day long 15 pesos means $7.50 in our money. 

(Letter) October 8, 1941

Dear, it is just one month ago I really carried to exist.  Oh, I go through the everyday routine of living, but everything I want is back in Watsonville.  Dear, you can not imagine how despondent I am at not hearing from you.  I visit the post office twice every day hoping there will be letter for me.  Sweet, the Clipper fly about twice a week, at least once a week and there isn’t any reason that shouldn’t both receive a letter every week unless you are too busy to write and that I can not believe.  Rather would I think that because of the odious situation, our mail, or rather your letters to me have been delayed, or you are waiting until you hear definitely from me.  Out hear we know the schedule and write accordingly.  Tomorrow I should receive a letter by Clipper if you wrote to me but being as this was an anniversary of my leaving such a sweet wife, I thought that perhaps a few lines would be proper.  Tomorrow will finish the letter after I visit the post office.

            Visited the Post Office and did not receive any mail.  Very disappointed and the only cheerful note was a Lt. telling me that down in Manila, the Philippines Headquarters are holding about 100 letters.  So if you have written to me before you received my permanent address, then my mail is there.  Now, sweet I have taken up a lot of time to talk about mail but it is so very important.  If I can not have you in my arms, the next best thing is to have a letter from you.

            Last night I went bowling.  On Wednesday night we have free bowling and soft drinks are furnished by the Officers Club.  Each officer is given a handicap score and the one who’s total for the evening, three games, is the highest gets a prize of two pesos.  As I am a very average bowler, I told them my average game was 110.  The first game was ok.  I only bowled 90.  Then I got hot ad bowled a 150 and 156 better then I have ever bowled before in succession.  Well, my face was red, because it looked as if I was really a better bowler than I have told them.  Anyhow, next week, I bet my handicap will take decided flop and consequently, I shall never win a prize.  As of yet, I have not been over burdened with work.  Clark Field at present is expanding very fast and we actually have more officers then we need.  However, this will only be temporary so don’t be surprised to hear how terrible over worked I am.  Couple of day ago I took a plane ride down to Manila and out over the China Sea.  We were in formation and the President Coolidge was just leaving Manila we swooped down upon her and evidently gave the passengers a thrill.  The Air Corps boys are a good bunch.  They are very bored over here though because none of them have anything to do except fly and as there are not many airports they can only go up and land at the same field day after day.   I envy their ability to fly though and wish I had learned when I had the chance.  I have become good friends with a couple of them and they tell me that it really isn’t so tough to fly.  The thing that gets most people is leaning to land.  Some people are not good distance judgers and before they realize it.  They are closer than comfort allows, to the ground.

            Dear, buy you some thin paper regular airmail kind, yours is too heavy and type or write me out a long letter.  Just tell me about anything you want to, even tell me if there are any Lt.’s out of my quarters that are making eyes at you.  If they do, you can tell them that someday they will have to answerer to a guy that loves you more then anything else in the whole world, baby.  Love Basil

(Letter) October 18, 1941

Dear:

      I visited my mail box again this morning, hoping that my mail had been delayed but only received a few letters that had been forwarded from Watsonville.  It is too deep for me.  I have written you at least six letters now.  I cannot understand about the Clipper mail, unless it was also delayed.  Not hearing naturally has me wondering and I assure you that I am far from happy, in fact I am miserable.

      Your Xmas presents will be mailed Monday.  I have no idea when they will reach you, but surely before Xmas.

      I left Watsonville and failed to pay a small load off at the Bank of America.  It is not due until the first of November.  In the mean time I have actually forgotten how much it is.  Will you please find out and let me know at once either wire the money or mail a check by Clipper.

      Darling, I love you with all my heart and always will.  You are making your own decisions now.  Remember some of the things that happened to us in the past and my reaction.  I tried to do what was right.  If you ever didn’t really love me, I am not the kind that would want to hold you, because my pride wouldn’t let me, but dear, do be sure of anything you do because so many times people throw away something real and sacred for absolutely nothing and when they realize what they have done, it is too late.  I love you Basil

(Letter) October 19, 1941

My darling wife,

      I had to start this letter over because I was so excited and thrilled at receiving your letter.  I use the hunt and peck system you know and my fingers and eyes just wouldn’t find the right keys.  Darling, I am sorry that in my last letter I got a little perturbed and said I wasn’t going to write until I heard from you.  I didn’t really blame you, but just knew that something had happened to the mail.  Your letter was down at headquarters and has been there since the 2nd of October.  To check on our mail dear we had better number our letters from here on out.  I will call this my number One letter.

      So glad that you are still working because I know that it keeps you busy and makes things a lot easier.  Dear we are saving at least $125.00 per month.  I may be able to save more later on, but that is the best I can do at present.  I am contemplating purchasing a good stock, because if we have inflation our money will not be worth as much.

      I am sending you a box of Xmas presents today and enclosing a check for you to buy a few things for yourself and the folks at Xmas and sign the cards from us. I thought I had better tell you about it because this is very tense period and the package may or may not get there.  If you don’t receive it by the 10th of December, you write me by Clipper right at once and I will wire you some money.  Now dear, if anything delays that package you do this because I want you to have a nice Xmas.

      The collector at the bank does not sound so good.  If I know the breed and I think I do, he is a wolf.  You know dear, whenever a man knows that a woman is married and her husband is away, and he still persists there is but one conclusion to draw, the guy is up to no good.  A lot of men get the idea that whenever a girl has been married, she is a pushover for the first guy that comes along with persistent ways and knowledge of psychology of womankind.  This guy didn’t hardly wait until the tears were dry.  Anyhow sweet, I can’t blame a guy for wanting to go out with you or I couldn’t blame a guy if he honestly fell in love with you.  I did.  But for sake of your future happiness, I pray that, and believe that you will be the girl I left, when I do return.  It is a good idea for you to tell me about these incidents because naturally they will happen and therefore I can advise you.  If this mug is still around dear, tell him this, that you love your husband more than anything else in all the world and for him to please desist because you are actually bored

      Glad to hear that big brother is going to be in Watsonville for awhile.  After all, it is sorta nice to know that he is around.  You told him what I said about the work over here, didn’t you.  The labor situation in practically every branch is well taken care for by more applicants than there will ever be jobs and they work for wages that a white man could not exist on.

      Don’t let the boys at the bank get your goat.  After all, this place is not as uncivilized as all that.  Anyhow, the army has a good hospital and if the slightest thing goes wrong, you are promptly sent there.  The only diseases that I have found prevalent is one that is no respecter of persons, in fact I would say I have the worse case.

      This horrible sickness dear is homesickness.  It works so strange.  At night when you should have your eyes and mind closed to all except sweet sleep, you find your mind troubled, your thoughts thousands of miles away and usually, in my case, always a certain person is the center of every yearning for, the human mind is capable of producing.  At other times you will be sitting with others and while conversation is going on at a rapid rate, someone will ask you a question, and coming to suddenly you will have to ask. What was that?

      My office is situated in a big hanger.  At present I am sitting here and by raising my head I can see all kinds of airplane parts.  There is incessant noise at present because we just received a big shipment and the men are busying themselves unpacking.  The drone of the plane’s motors overhead and the shrill whine of a diving P-40, make a combination of sound only heard around an airport. 

      A couple of days ago I took a reconnaissance flight.  We went up to the northern part of the Island and Luzon and came down the coastline.  Whenever we spied a ship we came down in a dive and coming within a few feet successful, a crew member would jot it down, the probable tonnage and location of ship.

      One of the interesting things I never tire of looking at is the natives in the rice paddies.  They have a beast that look like a water buffalo or if that doesn’t make sense, just an ordinary buffalo that lives near water.  This animal is called caribou and it is never so happy as when wallowing in the slime and mud.  For endless miles, the rice paddies stretch.  It is all one great swamp really.  The people live here have their homes built just a few feet away from the water.  That humans live in such squalor and unsanitary conditions is almost unbelievable.  They fish in the muddy streams, raise rice, and understand that their total income for a year is sometimes less then $50.00.

Manila is interesting at first but one gets tired of looking at the natives and there is so much dirt and filth around in the streets.  There are of course better sections and quite a few modern buildings but the glory and conveniences of our open land make this place a veritable city dump.  I will tell you more in detail about Manila in a later letter.

You ask what to write about? Dear about yourself, about the things that happen to you.  Why don’t you try keeping a few sheets of this type of paper in your desk.  Write a little bit every day or so and before you realize it you will have a good size letter ready to mail.  Try sweet and write to me once a week.  If you use thin envelope you can get three or four typewritten pages in each letter.  That will cost about $2.00 per month and darling, it will be my very existence to get a letter from you.  I love you so darn much that it frightens me to think what in the world I would do if I didn’t have you.

(Letter) October 20, 1941

Darling I found out this morning that the Clipper did not leave yesterday due to inclement weather and I may be able to get this letter on so you will receive two letters at once.

      Dear, if you have not already sent the pictures to Clipper it will be ok to mail by ordinary mail.  I would love to have a picture right away but realize how expensive it is to send anything that weighs much.  In the meantime I will get along with my little snapshot.  By the way, I will have to send you a snapshot of me every so often. 

I will show you my teeth and then you can refute what the boys at the bank say about them falling out.

      Speaking of the manager’s home and your desire to have one just like it someday, makes me even more homesick to get home and get busy so we can have one.  From every indication the country is experiencing a tremendous boom at present.  It is an even bet that many people are making more dough than they have ever earned before but when the bubble bursts, will have less. 

      It appears that I am going to have to buy a few pieces of furniture over here.  The government furnishes the quarters but you have to buy your own furnishing.  Where I am at present the officers already have their furniture because their wives were over here but I’m not particularly fond of them or the location and expect to change the first of the month.

      Really, I am afraid to tell you about the weather.  At the present season the weather is excellent here at Ft. Stotsenburg.  I understand that starting about March the hot spell descends and for about four months, you swelter.  Then for another four months the rainy season is the thing.  During this period it does not rain all the time but it rains at least once every twenty four hours.

      Dear, again I want to remind you to find out about the small bank loan I did not pay before I left.  It was really silly for me not to pay it but as I recollect it came due before I sold the car and I was not too flush with cash.

      Let me once again tell you that my joy at receiving your letter is indescribable.  I read the letter over and over so that actually I practically know it by heart and even where the periods and commas are.  Honey, I don’t know what a woman wants most in life but if it is the real love of a man, dear I can promise you that you have every bit of mine I have to give and I even wish it were possible to give you more.  The thing that I dream about is you, the thing I want most to do is to be with you, everything darling revolves around you.  I am proud of my love for you because I did wait until I was sure and I think the love of a man and a woman is the greatest joy that we can experience on the earth.  Real love, dear, influences everything and there is nothing that can take its place.  My love for you is real, darling.

Dear, subject is dates and I am devoting a separate paragraph to it so that you can keep this sheet of paper and read it again and sometime if you like. 

      I trust you implicitly.  You use your own judgment about dates.  This is all that I want to tell you.  If you fire is fanned it bursts into a much larger flame.  You are to me the most desirable woman; other men must think so too.  If you go out with men on dates, it may be the most honest and sincere companionship in the world, very platonic, at first.  Then, you may not change because if you love me, nothing can do that, but the man will and before you realize it complications will sit in and you will have to tell him that you love only me and he will grow very eloquent and tell you that he just loves you so much and cannot do without you.  By this time, if he is a sorta nice person, you will at least get to like him and you will hate like the very devil to hurt him.

      Dear, you go ahead and do what you want to do.  But if you want to save yourself and myself and some guys self from being in what is known as a triangle.  You will be very wary of starting any close friendships.  It is true, a girl as pretty as you have to face the facts.  Anytime a guy starts fooling around, it may seem as if he doesn’t care or want to be anything but a big brother but just give it a little time and it will be the old, old, story.

      I want you to have a good time.  To dance, to go to shows, to want the very best for you because I am you’re “DADDY”.  But, I don’t want you to be confused, to let time and the agreeableness of nice young men make you think that you like him better than you do.  I want nothing but happiness for you dear, and I am with you anyway you can get it, but also I want you to use every bit of common sense you posess while I am away so that there will never be the slightest cloud come between our love.

      I realize even more than you think, the ways, the whys, and the whereof and dear I promise to come back or send you at an opportunity that arises.  There is no use trying to kid ourselves.  I will be here for at least a year unless there is a big change in a hurry, but that year will be over before we both realize it.  With all my love

(Letter) October 25, 1941

Darling, tonight is Saturday and I am all alone.  A couple of the fellows just left for the cinema, but I had already seen the picture, “Manpower”, with George Rapt and Marlene Dietrich.

      Saturday night is game night at the officers club.  We all meet at the club about 8:30pm and spend a couple of hours playing cards and other games.  About half of the officer personnel of the post go either to Manila or Baguio over the weekends.  Tomorrow morning I will play eighteen holes of golf and in the afternoon do a little reading.  Monday is the day we are all looking forward too.  The Clipper was held up at Guam for about four days and we are all frantic to get a letter.  If I get one I am going to take it with me and set the alarm for midnight so I can read it again.

      Sweet, I think that I have made a mistake.  The mail has been so darn slow coming to me that I though it better to mail you Xmas presents so you would be sure and get them by Xmas.  The postman tells me that the packages I mailed to you a week ago will probably be in states by November the 15th.  Now dear that is much too early for you to open Xmas presents.  If I hadn’t included a check I would not allow you to open the packages before Xmas day.  You must promise not to open before the middle of December.  Wouldn’t it be better for your mother to open the package and give you the envelope and then you could see your presents.  You must promise not to open until almost Xmas.  I will expect an answer in your next letter. 

      Dear, please type me a nice sweet letter at least once a week.  I will do the same and we can keep in close touch with one another and the time will pass so much faster.  A letter as you know by Clipper, is only fifty cents for ½ ounce, and you can write three or four pages on thin paper.

      I could make up a box of things for the folks but I really thought you could do much better.  In fact, that is going to be one of your jobs, you know.  I am just going to come home someday and let my little baby handle all the house business by herself.  We may be able to afford a cook but cooks have days off so my sweet had better learn to cook.  You will probably talk me into going out to a restaurant to have beer and sandwiches.

      Our field is undergoing some extensive changes.  We have had an Observation Squadron and Pursuit Group here, but now in a few days we will have about thirty of the big B-17 planes.  They are four motored and are the ones that do the long distance heavy bombing.  I might take up Navigation and become one of the crew if my honey wants me to fly.  They are pretty safe but fly very high so as to be out of range of the antiaircraft guns.  At these high altitudes, masks have to be worn and if anything goes wrong you don’t last long because the air at high altitudes is unlivable for humans.

      Did you realize darling that it is a month since I have heard from you.  By that I mean that your letter was written the 23rd of September and this is the 25th of October.  So much could have happened and dear I wonder about so many things.  I wrote to you very regularly but as I did not arrive until the 26th and a Clipper did not sail until the first part of October, so dear, I realize that because I was in transit for quite some time, our mail would naturally be delayed but I do hope that from now on out we can hear from each other very frequently.

      Bought some furniture today.  Had to buy a chair and lamp.  Our quarters are furnished with quartermaster furniture but it is not adequate or very comfortable and everybody buys a few pierces of furniture to augment their quarters.  I haven’t been paid as yet or rather I will not be paid the first of the month unless my transcript of pay arrives from Camp McQuaide.  I left without it and the Finance Officer at McQuaide told me that he would forward the necessary papers to me in Manila but I haven’t received a thing as yet.  It is a good thing that one can sign for practically everything bought.  Very little cash is necessary for the ordinary day to day purchases but when the first of the month comes around, oh boy!  I trust that my allotment went thru to the Pajaro Bank all right.  I got a letter from Washington acknowledging my application for insurance policy.  I am writing rather spasmodically tonight due to my poor use of the typewriter and also that I am so full of thoughts of you.

      The mosquitoes are bothering tonight.  I haven’t been troubled at all with the little pests up until lately.  Moved a couple of days ago and they seem to like this end of the post better than they did the other end.  Every once in awhile I have to quit typing and start scratching.

      You must tell me how the interlude with the loan collector turned out.  In fact you tell me about any interludes will you dear.  I don’t mind these other mugs admiring my honey but they better be careful because when I get back, there will be some changes made, and I may be pretty tough hombre.  I feel sure that from what you told me that you must have brushed the bank fellow off long before this.  Darling, did you know that I am terribly and horribly jealous of you.  It really gripes me dear that I have to share you with anyone else, even for them to look at you.  I thought that I had lived, my dear, I was only an infant, my love for you has taught me more about real living, and real gratefulness for good things of life.  When I think of the poor boobs back there that are working for a living and have a wife and give up my position as an officer, this thing called adventure, to be with my little wife everyday, and I would be satisfied.  If I had to be with a lot less than ever before, if I just was with her and know that were tough as one, because she loved me and I loved her.  Dear, there are a lot of emotions that people have in this life.  Joy, sorrow, success, wealth, this brings on emotions.  But none is so powerful as the love of two people.  I wouldn’t trade you dear for a million dollars and all the fame there is.  All I desire is to come back and live our lives together.

(Letter) October 29, 1941

Darling, that darn Clipper has not arrived yet.  It has been due for over a week and everyone is nearly crazy.  I don’t know what I will do if we go to War and I cannot hear from you regularly.  Roosevelt’s Navy Day speech was certainly strong.  If that is going to be the attitude of the government, then we are just the same as in this mess right now.  Frankly, they can take their old war and go to H--.

      The big ships arrived today.  They are the fortresses you have probably read about on the papers.  About 75 new officers have arrived and this place is becoming very crowded.  They are all a nice bunch and I even met a fellow I use to go to school with back in Kentucky.

      The weather has been wonderful.  As long as you don’t exert yourself too much it isn’t so hot.  I am writing this after lunch and will play nine holes of golf this afternoon.  We don’t work in the afternoon over here.  The climate affects you, about one half a days work is all you can do.  A new General arrives tomorrow and he may make some changes. 

      How is everyone and everything in Watsonville?  Does Bill like his new job?  I suppose sister has started school and is wowing the boys.  See what you missed by marring a Lt.  That is going to be changed someday dear, if my dreams come true, I dream a lot lately.  Almost everyday we take siestas and I usually spend half hour building castles and sweet you are in everyone.  What a life.  I spent so much time looking for what I really want.  I find it and then they take me away.

      My job is more interesting than at first although I am still lost.  What I lack most is enthusiasm.  They put me where I don’t want to be and give me a job that I don’t know anything about, so you can see how efficient our army is.  Yeah, I met so many officers that are so disgusted.  We are assigned to the Aircorps and they need our help the worst way.  Yet some of the old air officers are jealous of their own jobs so a lot of good material is being wasted.  Any other country but our great country would be bankrupt with the waste and inefficiency.

      There are lots of fellows in my fix married and we get a lot of kidding about how our wives are running around back home while we sweat over here, but we take it good naturedly. Personally, I think that I have got the best girl in the world and I know she is mine and will always be.  I have enough confidence in her that I know as long as she is my wife she will be true and there isn’t going to be any propaganda to change that opinion.  With all my love Basil

      The last paragraph, my sweet is the answer to the wonderful sentence in your letter.  You said, “I’ll never regret having married you, and only wish that I could assure you that I’ll always wait for you and be more than true to you, because the rest of my life depends so much upon you.”  Darling, how I have read those lines over and over, and may I assure you that you do have your wish.  I do believe you and always will.  Somehow I do not worry about my little wife ever being untrue, because I know that the day we stood together in Reno, every dream, every hope for the future was wrapped up in each other.  When we repeated those words, life took on a different meaning and felt that just before we parted that the meaning was becoming more and more clear to each of us and that we realized we now had something to live for.  I look toward the future not knowing what is in store for me or for you or for the world’s people.  A few years ago a man could marry a girl and promise her things with the feeling that all was serene and all he had to do was to go out and work hard, save his money and success would come.  Today, we all face the future with the supreme wish to, have peace again, to reconstruct our lives.  What I can say is this, that every wish, every hope, is to be with you and to live our lives together.

      Dear, now that you know how I feel, will you do something for me?  Will you contact Major Marks out at Camp McQuaite and ask him if he has my book, “Think and Grow Rich,” I would like to have it over here and would not like to lose it.  Tell him I asked about him and said to say hello to all the gang.

      One of the Clippers is arriving this afternoon and will more than likely contain a letter for my sweet.  It has been held up at Guam for at least eight days.  Our mail should be more regular from now on and we should both receive four letters per month.

      My expenses for the first couple of months has been more than anticipated due to having to have more uniforms and also officers club dues and Xmas presents and etc.  However, I find that the whole I can live much cheaper than in the States and one and only consolation is that each month we are putting something aside for a rainy day.  With both of us working, dear there isn’t any reason why we cannot have a little nest egg by the time I return. If they allow the wives to come over, of course the tense situation at present does not offer much encouragement to have you over here in the very near future, but it doesn’t hurt to hope.

(Letter) Oct 31, 1941

Darling,

To try and describe my elation at receiving a letter today.  Only one half hour ago.  Would be like trying to tell you how much I love you.  There just isn’t words.  Suffice to say dear, that your letter made me very happy.  Please write every week like you said and sweet the longer the letter, the better.

The Clipper arrived yesterday.  For the past seven days there has been two Clippers at Guam awaiting better weather so sweet I haven’t had a chance to send a letter to you for almost two weeks and I feel badly about the situation, but know that at least you will get quite a few letters close together.

I haven’t had the opportunity to go to Manila and buy you as many Xmas presents as I would like.  What I did buy is nice tho and I intend to send you things from time to time, in fact, every time I see a good buy in something and think that you should like it.  You have to get used to the customs and the material over here to trade successfully with the merchants.  They charge Americans much more than articles are worth unless you are acquainted with their methods and the approximate value of the goods.

You know dear that I feel you want to hear about the Philippines and things I do but personally when I write to you I just feel like getting mushy.  There are so many sweet things that I think about you and I want to tell you all of them.  Dear, you know I think that we were really just getting used to each other when I had to leave and I think that we both began to realize how so very much we loved each other.  The months ahead will be long, but not when we look back.  I will have an opportunity in April, if we are not at war, to put a letter asking that I be returned to the states.  When that time comes you may be sure that my letter will contain a lot of reasons why I should return.  A lot of fellows that stay in the army and accept three years of foreign duty will possibly have an opportunity for regular lifetime commissions, but I would rather come back to the State without a job and be with you than be a general in anybody’s army.

We hear so many things, but who can say how true they are.  Our lives, our futures are in the laps of the Gods.  I like to think that no matter what young man you would have married, the same situation would have been true.  The only real truth I know, the only real thing I can tie the future too, is my love for you and my desire to be with you.  A few years ago I could have promised you at the time, security, the better things of life.  Today, no man can promise anything because it is not himself that decrees his future but fate and the way the breaks come.  All I can promise I do so fervently, that I love you more than anything else and I will do my best at all times to provide the best for you, to protect you, and to have as my supreme goal, our happiness.

Honey, I would like to give you a little hint about writing.  I know how hard it is to sit down and write a long letter.  There are so many happenings but when you write you can not seem to think of them, etc.  I have found it good to practice to write a little at different times.  For instance, you are going to write to me once a week.  Wouldn’t it be a good idea to dash off a page at the back on the typewriter during your spare time, or when you are killing time around lunch.  Then you could dash off some more at home when there isn’t anything particularly interesting to do.  Before you know it, you have a letter with lots of news and at least one sentence telling me you love me ready for the Clipper.  And dear it will not be work but will actually be a good habit.  I know how some people despise letter writing and how much a duty job it can become.  Did you know that I hate to write letters, and can you complain of the length.  If you follow the above practice you will not have any trouble with your letter writing.  What to write about is legion.  First, I am interested mostly in you.  What you do, how you feel, how you look, any problem you may have.  Then the folks, the people you have seen that I know.  Why you could write to me everyday as if you were keeping a diary and I would find it most entertaining.

By the way, have you been dancing lately?  Tell Bill I said hello and for him to take my baby dancing.  I hope the style doesn’t change so much by the time I get back that you will be ashamed to dance with me.  When I first come to Manila, a party of us went to Santa Ama, a native dance hall.  We watched the little native girls dance around with the sailors and got quite a kick out of the funny sights.  They had what was called a Boogie Woogie or something contest and the little Philippines did some real jitterbugging.  The best of them tho would not be as good as we have in the U.S.

I had better threaten you again so you will not open the Xmas presents.  Now, don’t go worrying your pretty head about me.  Just anything would do.  I don’t care about the presents particularly, it is just dear I would like to get something and know my baby handled it.  I may as well tell you that I put a check for $25.00 in the package.  It wasn’t much but I figured that you could buy presents with it and dear besides I think we had better get the idea of being thrifty, don’t you?  All our future together is what God and the fates allow, but for one I have always had the best things in life because I have been able to procure them and health and youth are to powerful allies.  Still we don’t have to deny ourselves, but there are so many things that I have thought necessary in the past and now I find that I can do without.  The more that I save now and the more that you save just gives us that much more of a head start over the rest of the gang.  I don’t want you to have nothing but the best clothes and best living and I am sure you will have them.  I know that you are thrifty and I am glad.  You showed me in Reno that you spend your money wisely and so I have confidence in you. Anytime you have any ideas you just tell your husband about them, will you?

(Letter) November 5, 1941

My little Darling,

      How I love you and how I miss you.  I received your letter written the 17th of October and it made me feel so very blue.  I understand dear how you feel and how lonesome you must be, because I am just so damn lonesome for you that it hurts terrifically sometimes.  At night, I sometimes lie awake and finally just worry myself to sleep.

      Dear, there are certain facts that we must face.  I want you to have a good time.  I hate to think that by marrying me you have become unhappy.  I meet so many young men over here in my same boat.  We have nothing at all to look forward to.  Honey, I want to tell you that I think we are right in feeling the way we do, but wrong in feeling that a year is such a long time.  Looking ahead the time seems never to pass, but when we look back, we will find that it has not been so long after all.

      Your letter is natural because it reflects the thoughts and emotions of so many others in our world today.  The main thing to remember is this, time will take care of a lot of things, and I know that you are the answer to what I always searched for.  Still, there are so many things a man does not understand about a woman.  You are restless and you have a right to be.  What newly married woman wouldn’t be if her husband had to go thousands of miles away.

      Honey, I wish that there was something that I could do to make the load lighter.  All I can face tho is the realization that you have to fight your end of the battle and I have to fight my end.  Everyone gets out of life normally what they put into it.  I can not help but believe that if we both stay true and brave, our happiness together someday will be complete.  As you know, I have always told you that I wanted the best for you and if ever you did not love me I would not hold you but would allow you to get a divorce.  Loving you the way I do, I pray that the day will never come when such would be the case.  The battle from the end is yours honey.  Please don’t ever be fooled into trading something real that you already have for something shallow and not real.

      My roommate received a letter from his wife also.  He was married only about a month and T guess the letter was something like mine from the remarks he dropped.

      About the little beauty operator, I did have one date with her and saw her and saw her a few times in town, but like other girls in my life, she was just something to do.  When I met you, everybody else ceased to exist and all was forgotten about anyone I had ever known.  You see dear, I don’t know what the small talk could possibly be, but I know that you are the only person I ever loved and I don’t give a damn if all the world talks.  I married you because I love you and if God will give me a chance I intend to give my all to make you happy.  You can rest in the assurance of the knowledge that all that now matters to me is when I can come back to you.

      All kinds of rumors are going around.  Naturally it is hard to actually arrive at any real truth.  Just now heard a new commentator and the news was anything but cheerful.  Personally, I would much rather be over here fighting the Japs then fight Germany if we actually are going to war.  Of course, things may get better and we may just sit here, and that will suit me fine.

      Dear, try and be happy.  Keep on loving me and being true to me, write to me every week, but have yourself a good time.  Realize tho that conditions are not normal, hundreds of thousands of married people are married and in the same boat that we are in, that the future will try people probably as never in the past.  I am your husband and your lover.  To me the sun shines only one place in all the world and that is in your arms.  The events of my past life, my self control are as nothing compared to what I have to go thru with now.

      You said dear that if I could wait, then you could wait.  I can wait and will because I love you and will always be true to you and will always love you.  Everything about our lives in the next few months depends on how you can take it.  I love to think that you love me and that you miss me but I have to think that you are so very unhappy.

      Someday dear, all this will be behind us and then I am sure that we will be so thankful for so many things.  Write to me every week dear and tell me your troubles.  You will always find me sympathetic and willing to help in everyway I can.

      With all the love that a human can have for another, I love you my dear and that is the most important thing of all.  Dear, do this at times. When you have problems, get away to yourself and think it out.  I am sure that you will always arrive at the right answer.  Love your husband Basil

(Letter) November 10, 1941

Hello Darling:

Well, Sweet I have so much news to tell you this time that I am fairly bursting.  However I must stop long enough to tell you I love you so very much.

First, my trip to Manila.  Went down over the weekend and had a nice time, or at least as nice as could be had in the Philippines.  Saturday night attended the Jai Lai games and probably seen it played in the movies.  It is a Spanish game and very fast.  The players wear long basket looking things tied to their wrists.  The play is with a ball about the size of a tennis ball and with the rebound of a golf ball.  Anyhow, they bang the ball up against the wall and the other player has to get it on the first bounce and slam it against the wall again.  The ball travels to fast and hits the baskets on the players arms so hard that you can not understand how they can ever catch the thing and throw it back.  That is Jai Lai and from my description I doubt if you ever saw a game going on you could recognize it.

A bunch of the fellows were sitting around gabbing and the subject turned to sending parcels home for Xmas, etc.  Imagine my consternation when I heard a yokel say that he had received a package back from the customs because he had not paid any duty and another that his wife had to pay on some things he had sent her.  I nearly fainted and when I later learned that the custom officials in America open the packages and if there is anything in them not of the Philippino or American make a tax has to be paid.  At once I had two visions, one of you getting a package and a postman saying so many dollars please, then your anger and me getting a divorce summons; then I thought, they will send the package all the way back and after I went to all the trouble and Margaret will be so disappointed.  I just didn’t think about it at all.  I bought some of the stuff from a Philippino merchant and the rest from a Chinese.  The Chinese merchandise is the kind there is a duty on.  So woe is me, the only bright thing I can think is the fellows were kidding a Jewish guy about how lucky he was to never have anything returned and not have to pay on the end.  Another thing, I spent a good afternoon haggling with Chinese Jew over the price of some of that stuff and they tell me the Customs put what price they want to on anything not declared.

What a life, so please honey forgive me and if the boys present you with a bill, let me know what it was and I will remit at once.  On top of all my domestic worry, that’s a good word and it’s definition is you.  Darling, the finance have not paid me so I may get grey headed after all before you see me again.  As I told you before my transcript of pay from the States is lost somewhere over here and they have radiogram twice for another to be sent.  In the meantime I have been drawing on my account at the Pajaro Bank.  Of course dear, all these are really little petty annoyances and only cause inconveniences.  I don’t mind at all when they only touch me but when they reach you, they trouble me like the dickens.  If we are not in War with Japan in a very short time I feel that they will let us go home, some of us by summer.  At the most for all next fall.  They do not like to bring anyone all the way over here and then let them return in less than a year.  Darling, I know that we can take a year and that it will not affect us.  Will it.  Two months have already gone by, and I must admit that it seems like a lifetime.

The clipper came in today, on time for a change.  When the weather is good it only takes five days from San Francisco.  I expect a letter from you and the answer to some of the questions that I have asked you in the past.  Darling, please never stop loving me.  I love you so and by the Grace of God, we will make up this separation to each other when I return.  Don’t ever think that I don’t know what you are going through and how much you want us to be together because I want it more than I want anything else, myself.

I am glad that you played or rather bowled.  It is good for you and especially after sitting at the bank all day, you should have some form of exercise.  I have been playing golf a lot but never expect to be anything but very average player.  I can’t get as enthused as I should evidently, chasing that little ball all over creation.  It is good recreation and exercise tho and very reasonable to play over here so I will continue to play when I get the chance.

(Letter) November 11, 1941

      My darling, your letter just came and how wonderful it was.  It is just like a new breath of life to receive a letter from you.  Honey, this letter made me feel so much better than the last one, to be frank I was just a little worried because you appeared so depressed.  Darling, there is a bright side to everything.  I just received a letter from my mother.  She wrote about us and told me how she sympathized with both of us, having to part so soon, but she told me that she knew that I must have picked the right girl if I loved her and that if you loved me; nothing would ever come between us.

      Dear, what you say about men not having as much will power as women is true to a great extent but it has been little overworked, one of the favorite arguments of Romeos to the little wife whose husband is far away, is you don’t think he is waiting for you, do you.  The tragedy of it all is when a guy does wait and the girl does not and then someday when she realizes what a mistake she has made, how sad.  In my case I happen to love you more than anything else in all the word.  I have to live with myself all the time and I wouldn’t take a chance on anything spoiling that feeling.  I am fortunate also to be stationed away from any kind of women and even if I did not want to be true to you, there would not be an opportunity to do otherwise.

      The pictures were the best I have ever seen of you.  The shot of you with your legs in the air was natural.  My mug as usual had the silly grin.  So I am not tough, you might be surprised when I return.  I showed them to some of the fellows and they all said, how did I ever get you.  I didn’t have an answer because I find myself asking the same question.

      Dear, please don’t talk about never seeing me again.  It just is not in the cards that way.  We are going to be together again and we are going to be happy.  Take another look at those pictures.  Did you ever see any two people together that were obviously enjoying, loving each others company anymore.  I have not received the big picture as yet, but if you mailed it about the 15th of October it will not be here until the 15th of November.

      The war news frightens you, and truthfully it gets me too.  However, darling it may bring us together sooner than we expect.  Japan would not be a pushover and would probably take the Philippine Islands.  I might be evacuated or captured.  Then, again I don’t think that Japan could last more then a few months and there would not be so much reason for keeping so many of us but here.  I could probably get back to the States without too much trouble.  Don’t ever believe that I am gone until you absolutely see it in black and white by government letter.  In case we have War, our correspondence may not be able to get through but never give up hope.  I refuse to believe anything but that.  I wrote a letter in January asking to be returned to the States.  What happens the next few months will determine whether it will be received favorably.  In case they turn me down they will extend my time only six months and by that time so many things can have happened.  The way I look at it, I have a chance of coming home in May, but not the best, but in September I have a wonderful chance.  By present law, they will not keep me over six months after my tour of duty and as I told you, that ends in May.  Of course they can change the law.  Please promise that if we go to War, you will not be discouraged because so many things happen and I might get sent back to the States for lots of reasons.

      The folks all made a good picture.  The one of the family should be enlarged.  I am very proud of the snapshot I took of you and had enlarged.  By the way dear, did I ever tell you my honey is certainly stacked.  Ouch, I can feel you pinching me yet when I say something.  Do you still dance around like you used to do.  I am glad you got the raise and that you are more satisfied with your job.  You must write me longer letters and on the typewriter.  And you must answer some of the questions that I ask you because I want to know the answers.

      I feel that it is no longer necessary if it ever was for either of us to ask the other to be true.  There is no other way, we love each other, we are man and wife, among true lovers there is no other answer, I face the future of you and my love for you.

Dear:

      I have just been sitting here for a couple of hours.  A big easy chair, a coke in reach and your pictures ever to look at.  Over and over I have searched, devoured them with eager, love-sick looks as if I could bring them to life.  As I sat in the chair my mind went back to those days and nights in Watsonville.  Each picture had a meaning, and a remembrance all of its own.

      That day in San Francisco, I think it was one of the nicest I have ever known.  I liked your family from the beginning and I believe that on that date they began to like me, to accept me.  I know that as women fool men that we understand and judge each other by.  I like Bill and the old man, don’t you tell him I called him that and I know that we sorta understood certain things without a lot of gabbing.

      The picture of you in my arms I like best of all, because that is my only desire these days.  Looking at those pictures I could just close my eyes and almost imagine that you were sitting in my lap and my arms are around you and your lips are just about to touch.  I keep reaching for those lips but I can never quite make it and I guess it is the one thing that always will convince me that I am only day dreaming again. 

      I will keep them close, darling and look at them everyday because I want to be reminded that I have waiting for me the dearest, sweetest, girl in all the world.  You inspire me darling with thoughts that I never had and I don’t give a damn whether it rains or shines.  I face the future, serene in the knowledge that I can not lose, no matter what a world we may have to live in, as long as I have you.   As long as you love me, that love will be the most important thing in all the world for me.

      I understand that you received my letter, the very long one written on the boat and also the one I sent the folks.  I probably shouldn’t have written to them, but I was rather emotionally upset thinking of you so much on that long voyage over.

      Remember this dear, the darkest hour and coldest hour is just before the dawn and this is our dark hour, if we survive it, there isn’t anything that we will ever have to fear.  All my adoration and love. Yours, Basil

(Letter) November 12, 1941

Darling:

      Tonight I went to the movies.  There is nothing unusual about that because I go a lot these days.  But tonight I came home alone.  My quarters are about three good city blocks from the cinema.  As I walked along I could not but help noticing how lovely it was.  The sky was like a huge purple or deep bluish blanket studded with millions of bright stars that actually blinked at me, they were so bright and clear.  It is just one of those nights, very dark, but very beautiful;  When I would love to have you with me, to walk arm and arm, to be close together and to breathe deep of so much beauty of nature.

      My path led along by the officer’s quarters and even the lights from the dwellings could not pierce the inky blackness and I was really alone.  The vegetation is typical tropical, with huge trees towering all along the sidewalk.  From the night came the incessant chirping of the crickets, the twirping of the lizards, that eat bugs, and many other strange noises that I am not acquainted with.

      Mentally, I thought of you, visually I took in the beauty of the sky and audibly I listened to the song of the night.  I was alone, alone alone.  That was the sound of the insects.  They kept drumming it into my mind and I almost ran because I was so anxious to get home and write a few lines to you.

      Dear, I hope that you are never alone, it isn’t such a good feeling.  I have never felt it before.  People have told me of their loneliness, their homesickness, but I have never felt it because I was not in love with anything to create such a feeling.  Now I know and never again will I scorn the weakness of those people, who seem to be waiting and hoping for something, because I have become one of them myself.

      Each day makes me stronger because each day that passes brings me closer to you.  Don’t you realize that my dear.  Instead of making us more lonelier, everyday that passes away should make us happier because everything has to end and this will end.  I love you my darling, so goodnight and here is a kiss for you.  Mmmmm, where did you learn to kiss like that, you haven’t been cheating on me, have you….  Oh, I get it, so long since we have kissed that the bug is just full of pep.

(Letter) November 15, 1941

      The scene has changed, dear.  It is Sunday afternoon.  A hot, drowsy day.  And all is quiet.  A couple of the fellows went to Manila, and two are sleeping.  This morning I played golf.  Elatedly, enthusiastically, I drove off of the first tee.  Yesterday afternoon I played a good game for me, a startling 43 for the fist nine holes, not so good, but for a dabbler like me wonderful.  So I had visions of becoming a champion.  Alas, today I know better. 

      Yesterday, the Clipper mail arrived.  Two letters by Clipper I received, overjoyed, yes, delirious.  Then the awakening.  They were both from Lexington, Kentucky.  My old home town and were from people that wanted to be a pen pal to a lonely soldier boy.  From the darkness came a ray of hope.  Her last letter was mailed the 29th, then she must have just missed this one.  Maybe I might get two letters next time.  So runs the mind of an otherwise supposedly normal human being.  Goofy, simply crazy, yes, over you.

      By the way, I just mailed you another package.  Not for you, but for the men folks, fine Manila Cigars, three boxes.  Xmas presents from you and me.  They are supposed to be superb and a delight to Cigar smokers.  Of course as you know, I don’t smoke and can only go by what I hear.

      My shoes are off and nasty little mosquito, or was he little has been chewing on them until I look like someone in church, I squirm so much.  Still, this has been fairly nice weather and I can not complain too much.  From what I hear about things to come we will have some real torrid weather in a few months and be bothered by literally billions of insects.

      This next week will witness the fall of the house of Gilbert.

 Along with about two hundred other griping, despairing, mad lieutenants I will have to give up my comfortable quarters with our private cook and servants and move to what is known in polite circles as Nipa huts,(Photo background is the Nipa huts) but what we rightfully call, abode of forgotten men.  They will enclose me in a small room, in quarters next or rather containing other unhappy men.  There twenty of us will have a nice time making a mad dash for the four showers and the hot water that lasts only for the onetime.  Radios blaring, stifling heat, woeful tales, they all make up what in the future will be my home sweet home.  Reason, Air Corps officers have to move out of upper post, that is Ft. Stotsenburg, down to Clark Field due to the arrival of two shiploads of other shanghaied men.

      Just received another form to fill out.  The irony of it all.  They give you tons and tons of questionnaires and then after asking your preference and being told in no uncertain terms, proceed to file them away in, as your bank terminology will explain, the dormant files.

      Have not written you about last weekend.  I mean the holiday, Armistice Day.  A bunch of us went down to the Buloka village.  As our taxi drove up, a motley array of humanity plunged from every door, or rather from every miserable, decrepit looking grass hut in the vicinity.  They are the Pygmies and crowded around us begging for centavos, the Philippino penny.  We were well supplied and had several scrambles and foot races.  I had a couple of pictures taken of myself posing between two moth eaten dirty natives.  I will send you them if they turn out ok.

      The women took particular delight in yelling something at us and holding out their hands and at the same time striking various poses.  This particular tribe has gone commercial and knows what to do when the white man comes around.  Unless centavos are produced, no pictures.  The little boys run around stark naked, the little girls usually have a none too long ragged dress on.  The women wear no uppers, and the young contentedly get their nourishment, although I hear that actually they wear a shirt and at the fist sign of visitors, rip it off so that more centavos will be forthcoming for pictures.

      Honey, I just read over what I have written and there are so many mistakes.  I use the hunt and peck system as you know and write fairly fast but I do make a lot of mistakes.  I just thought I had better tell you because some of the misspelled words and etc are not through ignorance but because I am trying to think of six things at once.

      Sunday is a delightful day around here but is so very long.  We allow our help to leave Sunday afternoons and the Officer’s Club puts on a wimpy hour and sandwiches etc are served.  At the end of the month, we have to pay dues but it is well worth it because $2.00 worth of pleasure can be had from the golf course, tennis courts and library maintained by the club.

      Last night I saw a falling star.  As I stepped out on the porch it began its flight across the sky.  Darling, I wonder where that star ended up.  We just can never allow ourselves to not know where we are going.  Do you know what I think, that everyday is a red letter day, because everyday I am getting closer to you.  Whether you realize it or not, the time is going by.  Soon December, then 1942 and our high hopes.  May will soon arrive and if not then, September, I am sure – It must be.  I can not do without you.  You are a necessity with me now.  I need you and will not give you up, and there is not going to be any War separate us.  War or no War, I will be back. Love Basil.

(Letter) November 24 1941

Dear Margaret:

      Darling, you should know without asking that if you want to go back East next summer and need any money, you can have it.  However, I hope that I am back in the States so we can go together.  This is as good a time as ever to ask you, if it becomes possible for me to resign my commission and return that way, what would you have me do.  At the present time such is not the case but if it were possible, I would like to know what you think before doing anything.

      I should receive my pay any day now but don’t know when for sure.  Enclosing a check for $25.00, will you give it to Bill down at the bank and explain that I have back pay coming over here and will send the rest the first of the year.  You are such a sweet wife that I am going to allow you to open your Xmas presents before the 25th of the month.  I have bought you some other little knickknacks and will from time to time but they would not reach you by Xmas, so I will wait until later.  I am still wondering what the customs people are going to do. 

      Sorry about Bill getting laid up and hope that he is kicking around now.  You must be doing alright because if you are getting to go to dances, then you are happy.  I think that when I return home I will buy a good phonograph and some good records and play them for you, especially around dinner time, because you would rather dance than eat and I would have a wife that wouldn’t ever care about steaks as long as she had “Dorsey.”  That wasn’t so hot was it, well I never was a very clever person.

      So many transports are coming in.  They are bringing in so many new men that we hardly get acquainted before someone is transferred to anther part of the Islands.  Personally, I think that the Government will not keep so many over here, discontented and that if we do not have War in a few months, a lot will get to come home, and I will be in there pitching.

      I am still in the quarters but expecting the ax to fall everyday.  That should interest you.  When you get lonely, think of poor old hubby, living in a nipa hut without any screens the prey of every insect in the tropics.  No hot water, just cold showers and ouch, when you shave.  Twenty other fellows living right next to you, just like a frat except everyone of us would rather be living in the Oakie country than out here.

      My old tub the Coolidge came in a few days ago and brought to my attention, as if anything would have to, that I have been out here for centuries.  No kidding, sweet, three months have almost gone and dear they have been so terribly long but I can not but be optimistic about the future.

(Letter) November 25, 1941

Darling:

      We certainly hear a lot of rumors around here these days.  Hardly a day passes without someone starting a wild story.  For the past couple of days, I have been on edge myself.  From what I considered a reliable source I learned that I was going to get a new job.  It seems that some bright guy, a colonel on up, wanted to start an Air Corps Maintenance Command over here.  The function and purpose was for this Command to pioneer new Air bases.  Of course, I had visions of being sent to Africa, China and elsewhere.  The story has died down somewhat and so most of us think that it is just talk.  However, I do know that there will be a change in the very near future.  Where I am to go or what I am to do, I am not sure, or may be transferred to Manila or down to DelMonte, one of the southern provinces.

      I don’t feel as well as I did at first.  For the first month the climate did not affect me very much, but now I can feel a difference.  It will probably wear off tho and I will be feeling topnotch again.  Sometimes, I think that I take being away from you so hard that I get sick.  I do know that at times I have laid awake thinking about us and tossing around, and the next day I would feel up to par.  I guess that perhaps the Doctors are right when they say, worry causes more sickness than the germs.

      Dear, I enjoyed your last letter so much.  I like to hear what you have been doing, how you are spending your time, and etc.  Do you realize SWEET that I love you more and more everyday.  The pain of leaving you is not so acute now, continually, reminding me of the dearest person in all the world to me.  Margaret, I never was a man to put a woman on a pedestal.  I have lived too much of life not to realize the weakness of human nature, be it man or woman.  Still, I find that about you my thoughts are so much different that I ever had about anyone before.  Naturally, they should be, but I find myself glorying in the realization that we are man and wife. And our love is so meaningful, that someday we will grow old together and you will be the mother perhaps, of my child, or of our children.

      Dear, keep me informed about how thing are going back in the States.  You know, don’t you that any news is interesting to me.  The times we do get to read, the papers over here are just full of war propaganda and I would like to hear about other phases of American Life.

      I understand that American payrolls are higher now then they have been for years.  Well, we are not doing so bad although I don’t see how I am going to save as much as I wanted to.  That is the way it always is, where some things are cheap, others are high.  This first couple of months is no way to judge because they have been unusual, but as my different bills come in I can pretty fairly estimate that I was about $30.00 per month too optimistic.  Well, if I can manage to save $100.00   

      Dear, I gave out paper and had to use the back of this very nice Thanksgiving Dinner invite.  The dinner was very good.  We had turkey with all the usual holiday trimmings.  I suppose that by the time you received this letter, Xmas will be just around the corner and everybody will be busy, figuring what to give and who to give to.

      The pictures that I promised, I am enclosing.  By the way, I haven’t received your picture yet.  I imagine that the mails are swamped and it will eventually reach me.  You wrapped it good in strong cardboard, did you not?  The things that are sent over here take a terrific beating.  I still hear stories of fellows that sent gifts back to the states and had the customs really soak them.  I’m learning day by day.  It seems that if you buy anything and keep it a year you can take it or send it back to the states, duty free.  Otherwise, you have to pay a duty and by the time you pay some merchant more than it is worth over here, by their standards and have to pay a duty back in the states, you really pay more than you would there.  If my gifts don’t get thru and they charge you, you let me know and I will give you the amount paid out.  They arbitrarily set their own prices as I told you once before and so what is paid depends a great deal on luck.  I hope we are lucky.  I sent most of the stuff as Philippino goods and not Chinese and there isn’t any duty on Philippino goods.

      I started out in the above paragraph to tell you about the pictures.  Notice how ill I look after three months.  You can show this to the boys at the bank.  Next time I will send one showing my teeth.  Actually tho, I think my hair is thinning somewhat.  As long as I have just a little patch will you still love me.  I would like to have you here right now.  I remember how embarrassed you used to get when I would keep asking how much you loved me.  And you would answer, “More than anybody else in the whole world.”  Darling, right now you wouldn’t have to be bothered with telling me anything, because I would just keep kissing you so much that you would have a hard time getting your breath, much less talk.  I have visions of getting off that boat at Frisco and holding you in my arms and I warn you, I will be mighty rough so you had better get your good kiss proof lipstick.

      Have not heard definitely what I am going to do.  It really doesn’t matter a great deal tho because one place is just about as good as the next.  Now if I was starting across the Pacific that would be something else.  How would you like for me to surprise you, never say I am coming, write a couple of clipper letters and leave them with someone to mail, and then someday or night I could come into Watsonville.  You had better be home because if you are not, you will get a warm reception when you get home if you are not with the proper company.  I love you, dear sweetheart. Basil

(Letter) November 30, 1941

Darling:  I received your letter yesterday that was written the 17th of November.  Yes, you are right, we don’t know a lot about each other, I wonder if any people that get married, really do.  Marriage puts things on a new basis and brings out characteristics in the other person that we had no idea of.  At least that is what I have heard from old married couples.  

To begin with, I think we should have review of our love affair.  I can not speak for you because I do not know what you were thinking all of those first weeks.  You recall how I met you at the bank, how insistent I was that you go out with me.  Why, I remember that at first you were wearing another guy’s engagement ring.  After much finagling you told me that we couldn’t go out anymore.  Ever since I first saw you in the bank something just sorta of ripped inside of me and I cannot describe how I felt, but I was pretty dejected.  Then I called you a few days later and you talked a lot more encouraging.  Up to this time I had been running a high fever but the minute I really held you in my arms and kissed you, I was a gone goose.  I didn’t care about anything else except it seemed you were meant for me.

So we began a courtship.  Then one night, I asked you to marry me and said I loved you.  You seemed to think that no one could really be in love in such a short time.  Anyhow, we finally got around to marriage and I told you that I wanted to marry you and that I was not sure but I might have to go away.  You remember the telephone conversation and how on a Saturday afternoon I came to your house and I was just about to leave in despair and you said, yes. 

Then the long trip and the first night in Reno.  You remember all the trouble we had looking for a preacher to marry us.  Then the next day and we took the step.

Dear, neither of us really knew anything about the other.  Then the coming home. The fear of what the family would say and whether they would like me.  The too, too short weeks that we began to get acquainted.  Then, I began to get to know this little girl I had married and the love that I had felt before was nothing as compared to the real love and affection I now bore her.  I found that I liked her family.  I hadn’t asked her about them, I didn’t care.  I liked them for their genuineness, their family love.

As time went by, I am sure that they began to like me and to think of me as one of the family because I liked them and usually that draws people together.

All this time I was studying my darling.  I never for a moment or have I ever regretted having married her.  I could see that she had certain little faults that at times might cause trouble of a mild sort between us but I also knew that I was very much like her and had been more so when I was her age.  I found that my sweet was somewhat spoiled.  She was so pretty and lovable that the family and everybody else had sort of made her lose her equilibrium on some matters.  I found that at the risk of making her a little peeved, perhaps.  I spoke to her several times and I must say, she took it like girl that I had married.  I became more and more madly in love with her.  So much that I now know that TIME, DISTANCE, will not change my feeling toward her.

The last few days that we were together and then in San Francisco I am convinced that both of us began realizing as never before.  What this new love meant to them and there became a feeling between them, that only final complete surrender to love of another person can ever arouse.  Of that I am sure because I have never experienced it before, in the slightest degree.  Anything I may have felt or said in former years lacked the sincerity that now took possession of my every act and thought toward my beloved.

And so out of the swirl of few short months, a boy and a girl met and were married.  Their life together has hit a snag created by the waters of Fate against whom all men are powerless.  However, the man believes this, it both of them continue to love each other as in the past, they will be together again, and he refuses to believe that it will be two and one half years.  He believes from six months to a year and at the most.  Not over eighteen months.  Time has a habit of changing things.  Darling and the next few months will see a vast change in the present world conditions.  Do not forget that the people of the world are getting tired of the WAR and when that becomes strong enough.  Pease will come again.

Before starting to tell you a few things about myself, dear, there is one thing I would like to know.  Sometimes, in your letters, between the lines I fancy I read just little regret that we got married.  Naturally, you regret that we are parted.  I more than regret it, but darling, I don’t want you to ever be unhappy.  I suppose you have visions of being married to a guy that would come home every night and I don’t blame you.  But, could you ever be sure of anything in the world today.  Darling, I love you and have always.  Such things have happened.  If it were possible that my love for you was so strong as to sweep you off your feet and to make you think that you had emotions that you never possessed, I would want to know it.  I promised you that if ever you stopped loving me, you could be free.  Darling, don’t you see, I want you to love me so much that you will take a delight in perhaps having to suffer with loneliness, etc., because of that love.  I want you to love me so much that knowing what you do now, you would still go to Reno with me.  That is the way I love you.  If you don’t love me that way, you should because anything less has no assurance of every successfully traveling the years ahead, together.  Will you in your next letter, answer this.

I was born in a sleepy Kentucky town.  My mother was one of a large family of nine.  My grandfather on my mother’s side was in various business enterprises.  He was in the tobacco, farming and stock raising business.  My mother’s older brothers were interested in Politics and some of the family were very prominent in one era of Kentucky history.  After my grandfather died, the family fortunes were dissipated by the men of the family.  Before this my mother fell into parental disapproval by running away and marring my father.  My Dad was the only son of an only son and I am also.  He was born in the mountain of Kentucky and at an early age quite school.  However, he had a likable disposition, a darn good business head and at the time mother met him, he was quite an up and coming young man.  However, his fault lay not in his ability to make money but has philosophy of life that made him unable to say no.  His generosity finally made him hit the wall when years ago they had a depression and so much was owing to him that he could not collect.  Before this, when I was one year old, mother took me and went out so St. Luis and there she worked and supported me, too proud to go home or ask for any help.  All this happened years ago… so keep that in mind.  She got a divorce from my father and he finally married again.  I have a half sister and I only have seen her for a short period.  She is married and has a kid.  Actually, when I was one year old, my life with my father ended and I have never been around him at all.  Feel no obligation, practically like a stranger, even more so.  However, I think that I understand him and have never really felt much emotion as to whether I ever see him again or not.  You understand.

Honey, I can not tell you all the things that have influenced me as a person.  There are my aunts that married western ranchers, both of the men are dead now.  My grandmother who practically raised me for a many years and behind whose skirts I could always find refugee when I was hiding from an irate mother.  After trip to west, visiting our relatives when I was about seven we returned to Kentucky.  Mother, Grandma, and myself.

We settled in Lexington.  My mother got a position with the Templeton Piano Company at the time the biggest musical house in Central Kentucky.  I went thru the usual childhood experiences except that I never had a father and I used to be so embarrassed when I was a kid when the teachers would register us and ask questions about our parents.  By the time I was fourteen, my mother had prospered and owned her own lovely brick home and besides being Treasurer of the Company stock.  The owner of the business died and mother quite and took me to Florida. 

About this time, I began to have crazy notions as kids do and after one and a half years of Florida, I told my dear mother goodbye and left home, with a companion.  He lasted to Memphis, Tenn. And when the going got too tough he wired his family and they sent him money.  I was only fifteen at the time.  The experiences I had would fill a book.  After roaming around I finally landed in Hamilton, Ohio where I had some relatives living and got me a job in a factory.  It was a hard job for one so young but I kept it until I got another.  I have never been out of work since except for very short periods.  Remember this was while I was quite young.  For almost three years I drifted from one job to another, tasting of life, eager to find what it was all about.  I had many jobs and met many different kinds of people.

Finally, I realized that I wanted something more out of life and returned to Lexington where my mother awaited me.  It was Late spring and too late to start back at school, because that was what I had decided to do.  I walked into the First National Bank & Trust Company, Lexington and got a job.  So started contracts that were to change my whole life.  I , and my family were will thought of in Lexington so I had no trouble getting necessary recommendations, although, some of the work I had been doing was not exactly what the good people of that city though was very educational for a banker.

I worked very industrially that summer.  I was eager and my efforts were appreciated.  I used to always offer to help anyone that needed assistance so that I became very welled liked and also thought of for the future.  But when fall came I made a decision, I was going back and finish high school.  They liked me so well that they offered me work on Saturdays and for relief help the next summer.  I had never asked my mother for any help and kept on paying her board.

I became very fast friends with two boys at this time.  Harold Jordan worked at the bank and was a country boy of ordinary means.  Owen Osborne was a poor boy, very good looking both of them and both have done very good in life, better than me.  Yet I know that the association we had over the years gave them both part of my character that helped them later.  You do not understand this, naturally, but at that time, you would have.  From them, I got a lot too and today we are sill true friends.  Harold is secretary for Clyde Van D Dixiana Farm, a wonderful estate owned by the Fisher Body people, married and had a couple of kids.  Owen is pastor of a big Methodist Church in New York.  He married a girl that was a National President of the Girls something or other and she helps him a lot in his work.  Another very close friend is G. C. Thompson Jr., who is with the FBI and married Beatrice Jordan, sister of Harold.  I introduced them.  The Jordan family is very close to me because later when I was to college I lived with them for a couple of years and we are just like a big family.

After High School, I stayed out for a year and worked at the bank.  By this time the crash had caught my mother and she could not be looked too for help if I wanted to continue my education.  She only had enough to take care of herself.  So in that year I busied myself around the bank and became very proficient.  Then before the fall semester of the University of Kentucky opened I went to the President of the Bank W. H. Courtney and told him that I desired to go to college and that I knew of a job in the bank that they were using a person on for all day and I thought that with some changes I could do the job in half a day.  W. H. Liked me and said go ahead.  I did.  The job was filing checks and for one afternoon.  I had lots of friends and was quite a dancer in those days and managed to make most of the affairs.

In my sophomore year, the bank found that I was more valuable to them as assistant to the Auditor.  I had been helping him every chance I got and they were expanding and he needed an assistant.  So for work from 12:30 to about 3:30 they paid me $80.00 per month and I was able to have a car and more money than the average young man in moderate circumstances while in college.

In school I majored in Accounting and Commerce and in my senior year changed over to law, intent on getting a combined Commerce, Law degree.  I was very active in Military and belonged to crack drill outfit called the Pershing Rifles.  We were the champions of our Co area and at the time I was taken in they had won the drill meet for the last three years.  They never lost while I was in school and I drilled on the team.  So, naturally in my senior year I was well thought of and was appointed a Captain of the R.O. T.C and my own company.

Dear, perhaps I am nute, but you asked for it.  I figure that it is about time that you understand that I wasn’t fooling on August the 4th , 1941 and new my mind like a youngster never does.  I sorta figured always that when I really found her, I wouldn’t hesitate one minute and that is what happened.

Back to my business career… I went to Louisville after my senior year because they had a night law school and I was offered a position as assistant to a Income Tax Expert.  I stayed there four months and the call to go to California became so irresistible that I left for the west.

In California I had it tough at first but not for long.  I worked for the bank of America for awhile and worked up to Head teller at one of their branches.  But, I was thru with banking, I felt that I didn’t want to work the rest of my life handling other people’s money.  So when a former resident of Kentucky became very interested in me and offered me the managership of his business, I accepted and stepted into a job that at the time averaged about three hundred per month but did not especially like my boss.  He was very hard to get along with and I went thru a lot of mental strain, However, I stayed and maybe somewhat of a success but I didn’t particularly like the situation so when I heard of what I thought was a better opportunity, I took it.  I went in partners with a fellow in the loan business.  I was working for another company as a loan broker and we were running our business on the side.  We did very well for awhile and began to have visions of becoming very wealthy man.  Then the legislature of California passed a small loan act that sounded the deth knell for the small companies.  I tried to salvage something but was in too deep and so ended up broke again.  About that time, the army began calling the reserve officers info active duty so instead of getting a job in Las Angeles, I accepted one with the CCC and was stationed in Las Vegas for six months.  Then the call and Camp McQuaide and then came the real thing in my life, you.

Dear, I have been very frank, maybe too frank, but I believe that is how you want it.  Will you now sit down and be frank with me.  Tell me about yourself, your emotions, the men in your life, anything you want, but tell me.  I love you and if you love me that is all that matters.

As you grow older you will begin to realize that this is some old funny world.  I have made mistakes.  Perhaps, I know I will make some in the future.  But I hope my experiences will have taught me some things.  I know that what I want once, does not exist today except in our imaginations.  But believe that the ultimate goal of all men and women is the love of another person.  With my love, Basil

P.S. I am really busy and use the hunt and peck system on the typewriter.  Couldn’t your find the time to write more than one page.  The above darling isn’t sarcastic, but the little things are noticed and count.

(Diary) December 1, 1941 – I had a sudden attack of appendicitis and that evening had an operation.  None of us realized how close we were to the brink of War. 

(Diary) December 8, 1941 - The Colonel of the Medical Corps came in and told another Colonel of F.A. that was in a bed next to me that Pearl Harbor had been bombed.  No one believed it, we thought some mistake had been made – the radio repeated the news and said around eleven thirty that there had been reports of Clark Field being bombed.  This gave us all a laugh as we knew damn well Clark was not being bombed.  Just before noon the doctor told me that if I were careful I could sit up in the wheelchair for one-half hour after lunch. 

            During the noon hour, all hell seemed to break loose at once and the Air Raid was on – Everyone ran out of the hospital and got under the stone floors.  I was left alone, but not for long – got out of bed and didn’t lose much time getting over the banisters and under the hospital.  After the first shock my reactions were not of fear but highly keyed up.  I looked around and saw the different people with so many different expressions on their faces that the situation struck me as slightly humorous and I laughed.  From the first bombing thru the fifty or more that I underwent – I seemed to always get a kick out of them and to laugh.  An early viewpoint, that if I was going to get it there, wasn’t much to do about it and so I guess to bolster my own courage and my men – I drove myself to take a slightly humorous view of the danger.

            Bombs were bursting, machine guns were cackling.  The very air was dense with smoke, the smell of gunpowder, and dense dust – We could see the Japanese ships through the smoke at a surprising low altitude flying along and bombing evidently at their leisure.  In a short time the trucks and ambulances started arriving with their loads of wounded – The hospital was soon loaded down with the wounded and dying and I asked the Doctor if I could move over to my quarters, which were only about ½ block away.  So four of the patients and myself went to my quarters and spent the night  - That day Ft. Stotsenburg was evacuated by most of the troops and the quarters boarded up.

(Diary) December 9, 1941 – I reported to Clark Field to Lt. Col. Daly and said I was ready for duty.  My side was hurting and was rather weak, but thought I could do light duty.  However, I took over the Air Corps Defense of the field, organized and alert system, formed a wire laying platoon and emplaced machine guns.  Before the day was out we had an alert system working that gave the men some indication of when planes were approaching.  Before the end of the week – I had made a trip to Manila to try and secure Walkie talkie radios, but was unsuccessful.  I saw Col. Churchill finally secured permission to draw field glasses.  We had a system in operation where alert crews worked at five different locations around Clark and thanks to their efficiency we always knew in time to get in our fox holes at the approach of Japanese planes.  These were busy days for me and my men – many miles of wire had to be laid – we had to learn to recognize the Japanese planes and better protection had to be devised form the viewpoint of protection (ground) for the field.

(Diary) December 24, 1941 – Orders were suddenly issued for us to vacate the field – to take only what was to be used by us in the field – All my belongings had to be left behind – the hospital had already moved out – but I was staying with 28th Material Sec. and had no longer any duties with A.C. Supply.  I left with them – I had a Ford Sedan that had been taken over from a Lt. Col. of Medical corps. and we loaded it down with batteries, our signal corps, equipment.  The roads to Bataan were a mass of moving trucks and autos.  The National Highway after we turned off from San Fernando was dusty and we had a time finding our way down into Bataan – We slept that night in a field and the next day being Xmas – opened up some type “C” rations – a can of hash and beans for Xmas dinner.

Col. Moe Daly, C.O. of Clark Field told me that he had recommended me on the 23rd of December for captain and it had been sent to Manila – He thanked me for my cooperation at Clark and said that Col. Laughinghouse had asked for me to be left under him as I was an infantry officer and he would need line officers under new set up of Air Corps – Col. Daly went back to “Little Baguio” A.C. headquarters.

            I wanted to be right on the front instead of with Col. Laughinghouse and was soon attached to 128th Material Squadron – Captain Walter Dorman, Field Artillery Officer was C.O. – other than a trip to Corregidor on March 20th, I spent the next three months on the front lines.  The food situation became very acute – Over half the squadron were sick and losing strength.  Rice and not very good rice became our chief food from February on – As conditions became more desperate – We used to go out way beyond our front lines to kill caribou and to visit a port where we could buy cigarettes form Philippine smugglers from Manila.  At this time we were glad to pay $5.00 gold for cigarettes.  Small pieces of sugar candy went to 2 pesos or $1.00 gold.

            At Corregidor I had my first decent meal in two months.  I met General Wainwrights Aid – Maj Johnny Dooley.  He told me that all recommendations had been thrown in waste paper basket when McArthur left and organizations told to resubmit recommendations – As there were too many Air Corps Officers in each squadron to come under table of organization for Infantry Outfits – this was used as an excuse to keep from giving promotions. Later in Japanese P. Camp Ft. O’Donnell, Major Johnson, former adjutant of Clark Field told me that a lot of names had been submitted for promotion a few days before surrender but Corregidor had returned them for some minor error.  So three times I had been recommended and still did not receive my promotion because of extenuating circumstances.

(Letter) February 14, 1942

I’m in the Field, Bataan Peninsula, PL

90 28th Material Squadron

Dear Margaret,

            Last night I lay out in the rice paddies with my men and I couldn’t go to sleep for hours my thoughts were so full of you.  I imagined what we would do after the War and wondered how you were getting along.  There is so much I could tell you, but for military reasons I can not write about any of the things I know you would like to hear.  Anyhow, I am still alive and well, have not been wounded, and very much expect to get back to you someday.  This getting to write a letter is a Bonanza for us, two of the Chaplains think they can get them out to the US.  I surely hope so, I have sent you two wires since the War started, naturally, I can not send any word at all now.

            Darling, do you think of me, and do you

still love me.  Our situation is so different for the average.  Hope that you do not have your regrets for having married me.  Still, I sometimes think that perhaps I worked such a hardship on you, having to leave so quick after we were married.  You are such a lovely girl and I love you so that I know others will want you too.  I have always told you that if you ever felt that you cared for anyone else more, I would not stand in your way.  Be of good cheer.  I have always felt that the darkest hour is just before the dawn, and God willing we will pull out of the spot.  Give the folks my love.  As soon as I can I will communicate with you.  Remember tho that in War no news is Good news. With all my Love Basil J Gilbert Write to me to the above address it may reach me someday darling, and tell me everything

 (Diary) April 9, 1942 – Captured with General Blummel in command of remainder of 28th Material, 57th Inf., 31st Inf., 26 Cav. and mics. outfits.  The Air Corps was under Lt. Col. Maverick and Lt. Col. Sewell.  Will never forget the next few days – had been without adequate food for months and since evacuating front lines on 7th had only had one can of tomatoes and one can type “C rations.”  We were marched almost to San Fernando and given a bowl of rice – At “Limay” and 50 officers were put in a wire enclosure with about 3000 Philippines – We had no shelter above and no hygienic place for toilet needs – the stink was terrible and we could not get water to drink.

(Diary) April 22, 1942 – Arrived at Camp O’Donnell – There was a shortage of food, 800 to 2000 men were arriving daily – Disease was rampant and water was a luxury.

We had to stand in line for hours to get a drink – I organized the “mess” and had to send 100 to 200 men to river to get water.  We could not wash rice and green but just cooked it in river water.  Hundreds of men were dying everyday.  Death was expected and one soon got used to seeing long lines of bodies everyday.  Correct figures for shot period from April 18, to July 5 at O’Donnell were 2,201 Americans and 20,000 Philippines.  In one day 535 Philippines died and this number was record as far as I know.  These figures were out of about 11,000 Americans and 80,000 Philippines.

(Diary) April 26, 1942 – I left with a detail of 150 men for Bataan – Went to Bogac and worked there for a few weeks – I returned to O’Donnell on the 20th of May with Malaria fever – on this detail we had to send back twice and exchange 75 men each time because so many were sick and starving.

(Diary) June 4, 1942 – Left for Cabanatuan – arrived there with high fever and was put with rest of sick in separate section – In a few days I threw off attack and was able to go back into Group 3 – then moved to Group 1 where I lived in barracks with other officers until Japanese started sending us to Japan and Mindanano – This period was characterized by many men dying – I was given up for dead the last of August as I had dysentery and malaria – However God was kind and I finally got some quinine from Medico’s and began to feel better. 

(Diary) November 5, 1942 – Left Cabanatuan for Japan – an old freighter the Nagato Marn. (above is a painting of Nagato Marn)

(Diary) November 11, 1942 – Arrived Takao, Formosa

(Diary) November 15, 1942 – Sailed from Takao and arrived Mako, Formosa.

(Diary) November 18, 1942 – Sailed from Mako.  There were 1500 American Officers and men on this boat and about the same number of Japanese – The boat had been used for carrying coal.  500 men were put down in each hold.  The Japs were over them and on the deck – There was no room to sleep or stretch – Everyone had to step on the other fellows when going to the ships toilet.  For all these men there were only about 3 places and a great many of the men had diarrhea and dysentery – One had to wait in line for hours to get to go on deck to the “heads” – it was horrible and suffocating – each hold was about 30 ft. by 30 and there were 500 men there in a space of 1 ½ ft. for each man so you can see how packed we were.  There was no place to wash and food was brought down in buckets.  Conditions were so bad that finally the Japanese allowed a few men on deck at a time – The Jap interpreter appointed me as a deck guard to clear the passageways etc. around the galley.  For the rest of the voyage I stayed on deck all day and at night slept down in a filthy hole under the galley.  A couple of nights I got to sleep out on deck under a table – However bad this was, it was paradise compared to the conditions in the holes.  After probably one of the worst voyages in history we arrived in Moji, Japan.

(Diary) November 25, 1942  - When we arrived in Japan the weather was cold.  We were dressed for the tropics and were all underweight and undernourished besides being sick with dysentery, fever and other maladies.  We were lined up on the dock while our bags were gone through.  We almost froze.  The wind was strong and cold.  We were separated into groups of 500 and put on a train.  We spent night traveling.  There was no heat and it was very uncomfortable but nothing compared to the boat.  We were fed twice and finally arrived on 26th of November in Osaka.  We were sent to Osaka Prisoners of War Sub Camp.  It was new camp and when we arrived we thought everything was going to be much better.  We soon found that the cold weather and lack of food was going to diminish our numbers. 

(Diary) December 7, 1942 – Two men have died – 160 are working and there are many sick – We need clothes and more food.  They are having a meeting this morning to ask Japanese for more food as men are in critical shape.

(Diary) December 11, 1942 – Issued overcoat – Two American doctors have arrived – six have died – food the same.

(Diary) December 13, 1942 – I went to hospital – passed blood – no medicine – put on lugao diet.

(December 15,1942 Margaret receives Postal Telegraph)

(Diary) December 17, 1942 – Blood stopped passing – ten have died to date.  Food still the same – so cold and still no clothes.

(Diary) December 22, 1942 – 12 dead – Three more days to Xmas.  Last year had can of type “C” Rations, but I was free – this year the nips say they have Red Cross packages for us.  Men have already sighed cards signifying receiving them.  One package every three men.  Beri beri is prevalent disease with scurvy, malnutrition.  Everyone is lousy with bugs and have bad colds.  Still no warm clothes - The only time we can get halfway thawed out is when we are allowed to get under blankets with all our clothes on.

(Diary) December 25, 1942 – The Canadian Red Cross Package contained 15 items, 1 lb. powdered milk, Klim, 2 sardines, 1 box hardtack, 1 salmon, 3 jams, 1 lb. butter, 1 pkg. cheese and 1 bar candy, ½ lb. prunes, ½ lb raisins – For Xmas dinner we did not receive a box per man as specified on cards nor did we receive a box per 3 men, The number of cards signed by men – Xmas Dinner Menu – ¼ small can Salmon, 1/3 can sardines, 1 ½ oz butter, 3 crackers, bowl rice and potato soup – Not what we expected but we were all thrilled and enjoyed the meal more than any Xmas Dinner we ever had.

(Diary) December 27, 1942 – Three officers have died on both sides of me in the past ten days – I have tried to help them all.  They just will not eat the rice.  I keep telling them to eat and try to reason with them, but they keep getting weaker.  It is either force the food down or die.  How we long for food.  Food is practically all we dream, think, or talk about.  What we are going to eat, menus, places to eat, anything pertaining to food.

(Diary) January 6, 1943 – We have not been paid yet, neither is there heat in the barracks – It is so cold that the sick and convalescent stay in bed practically 24 hours.  Our beds are cold wooden floors with cheap blankets – I am in another barracks now and over diaherra but have had four chills and I am now on a small course of quinine.  Malaria has been my chief problem – This last attack is the 11 or 12 – My resistance is very low but I am going to keep fighting and God and time will someday take me back home where I can get rid of the bug – 20 died to date.

(Diary) January 22, 1943 – Left Osaka P.O.W Camp – on the 15th.  Arrived at Zentsuji POW Camp on the 16th.  This camp is much better conditions are greatly improved.  More rice and thicker better soup.  Men from Wake and Guam and Britishers, Australians, New Zealanders are here.  The camp is well administered – 30 men from Osaka main camp joined us at Osaka.  There are 280 officers and 100 enlisted men – 32 died us to January 1, and 36 and other camp in Osaka and this number out of 1000 original.  My health is improving and we are all becoming much more optimistic.

(Letter) January 27, 1943

Zentsuji War Prison Camp, Japan

Dear:  This is the first letter I have been permitted to write, you understand there are many things I would like to discuss but can not do so.  We got a tough break and there were so many things undone when this all started.  However, I am sure that happier days will be ours someday.  If my little wife were to regret, and to fall for some other guy, darn if I could blame her under the circumstances.  Did you receive any Xmas presents from me in 1941?  I am sure you did not receive the second batch, I did get yours.  Enclosing present for you and mother.  Will you write to her and give her the suggestions I am giving you, or you might send her this letter.  Mrs. Nancy Jones Gilbert, 251 Kentucky Ave., Lexington, Kentucky.  I lost all posessions I had with me, even the little snapshots of you.  Would appreciate a box, pack it so top will come off and paste list of contents in side and out.  It will be many months before the package are received and maybe never.  Send small pictures of yourself, like one we had made in Watsonville, also snapshots.  Candy bars, two lb cans powdered milk, can cocoa, instant coffee, cheap ingersoll watch, luminous dial, two can butter, vitamin pills.  You can get advice from Red Cross.  Orange concentrate, raisins, prunes, about fifty percent chance of box ever reaching here.  Also, send snapshots in letter.  Dear, in your letter to me, tell me how you are doing and about family.  To my knowledge, recommendations for promotion of myself did not get through, I will tell you all about it someday.  I now weigh 125 lbs, take care of yourself. Love Basil J Gilbert

Letters to prisoners should be typewritten to facilitate delivery through censors.

(Diary) February 15, 1943 – Two men have died since we arrived here at Zentsuji, but the condition of all of us has greatly improved.  The men and officers that were already here have treated us royally – they have been receiving their pay and purchased vitamin pills out of a fund.  They distribute the pills everyday.  Medical – Two American Navy doctors who are very conscientious volunteered their services and have been attending to sick – Rice is better cooked although we only receive one coffee cup per meal – Soup is tasty and much better – Now we at least get a few vegetables.  Twice a week we have been getting 5 oz bottles of milk that we purchased through the canteen.  We get ½ loaf bread about 5 times per week – About 8 ounces at noon with soup.  Entertainment – Different rooms have the victrola on alternate Saturday and Sunday nights – We are allowed to have little plays on Sundays and go to Church.

(Diary) March 14, 1943 – Climate – The days are becoming much warmer.  Many of us are still suffering from chill bones, but the winter is definitely coming to a close.  Work – All the officers have been divided into groups: some work with the rabbits and gather food; other, inside policing of area and some on outside gardening.  I am on the outside gardening detail – I now weigh about 125 pounds, only weighed 118 when I first arrived – Normal weight about 175 pounds – We are spading up about two acres in the abandoned Japanese Officers Club – the work is very tiring due to our weakened condition, but after we get the plot ready, the other work should not be too hard – I only weigh about 118 pounds now and according to medicos receive about 1400 calories per day (2200 is necessary for man at rest) so I am not too energetic a worker.  Food – Received the first Red Cross Box since I have been a prisoner of War – I might add that this is the biggest event of my present life or perhaps whole life, at least we all thank God for it and we are getting more real enjoyment from it then anything ever received before:

Contents of Box 1-13 oz Evaporated Milk

16 oz Prunes

10 oz Chocolate bars

2 oz Sugar

1 lb Oleo

1 Box Hardtack Biscuit

7 oz Cocoa

7 oz Orange Concentrate

4 oz Instant Coffee

½ lb Cheese

1 can G.W. Tobacco

2 pkgs Cigs

1 can Corned Beef (sent to Galby)

1 can Sardines (sent to Galby)

  The meat is given to mess and is used to thicken and give body to what is passed out to us in name of soup – Some of the men were too eager and ate most their boxes in a couple of days – result – their system not being used to rich food – they got sick.  Our room privileges have been taken away, but we are allowed to visit the camp library and although they have a too big selection of detective stories, there are some very good books too, and you are indeed fortunate when you get hold of one – We get two daily papers, the Mainichi, and the Times – that have all the Japanese propaganda in English – Most of us hope we get out this year, but really will not be too disappointed if it is next spring.

(Letter) March 31, 1943

Dearest, Spring is here – My health is better.  Can only write short letter.  Take note below to Bank.  Wish that I could write of plans for future.  We will take wonderful trip and then establish home.  Now, dear is time for us to save.  We will be glad later.  Do not deny yourself, but be thrifty.  How I miss and think of you.  I am selfish, because I love you.  Don’t you think it would be wise not to have dates?  You might learn to like someone.  Then we would both be unhappy.  Love to all.  Pajaro Valley National Bank Gentlemen:  You are authorized to act as my agent in the following:  (1) Change my checking account to savings.  (2) Purchase $1,000.00 State Street Investment Shares, Boston, Mass, and $500.00 Manhattan Bond Fund Shares of N.Y. Purchase as soon as possible after notice received.  Basil J. Gilbert

(Letter) April 1, 1943

Zentsuji War prison camp, Japan

Dearest:  Spring is here, my health is better.  Can only write short letter.  Take note below to bank.  With that I could write of plans for future.  We will take wonderful trip and then establish home.  Now, Dear is time for us to save.  We will be glad later.  Do not deny yourself, be thrifty.  How I miss and think of you.  I am selfish, because I love you.  Don’t you think it would be wise not to have dates.  You might like someone.  Then we would both be unhappy.  Love to all. Basil

(Letter) April, 1945 Post card

Dear Mother:  Bless you on this Easter Day.  Looking forward to being with you soon.  Do you and Margaret write often to each other?  Love to all.  Your son.  B. J. Gilbert

(Diary) April 25, 1943 – Easter – We all attended Communion this morning – How I thank God for the wonderful improvement in morale and health of our group.  Spring is definitely here and some of us work four of five days a week on an outside garden detail – The Japanese Officers Club is situated on a plot of ground of about 6 acres – We have three acres for a garden – It is very poor and rocky ground.

(Diary) April 28, 1943 – Received another Red Cross Box.  They took out the cheese, soup and are going to serve it from the galley.

(Diary) July 17, 1943 – The days are becoming increasingly warmer – Mosquitoes are bad at night and the decks wooden platform where we sleep on straw mattresses are literally alive with bedbugs.  We work everyday in the garden or cut grass – In the last five months they have been able to butcher and stew over 100 rabbits – Last summer they purchased a few rabbits and we now have over 500.  However because there is no food for them – we are not breading any at present – a detail of prisoners go out everyday and pull grass for the rabbits.  A new camp Co. has taken over and we all are wondering how we are to be treated – the papers we get talk about the Anglo-Saxon as if we were to blame for all the evils of man – An odd thing is that the Japanese never lose any planes, oh few may fail to return: while we, the enemy lost say 100 to their 10.  The papers are full of the Sicily landing and the offensive on the Easter front.  I am studying Spanish and doing all the reading I can possibly do without losing my eyes – there are so many things we want – We are so continually hungry that our best relief is in keeping our minds occupied with any form of literature we are able to beg, borrow, or steal form the camp Library.

(Diary) July 29, 1943 – A couple of days ago – we heard the best news of the War for us – El Duce had resigned because of ill health, and the King of Spain, Victor Emanuel has taken charge of Army and Navy of Italy.  Marshall Budalagi has been named Premier and the city of Rome is under Martial Law – Fascist are prohibited from the meeting – Sicily is 2/3 occupied by Anti-Gov. troops.  Russia is doing fairly well on Eastern front – Opinion has changed concerning length of War – Predictions run from 6 months to two years.

(Diary) July 30, 1943 – Had a malarial attack yesterday – Last one was in April when I was able to get hold of 75gms of quinine and take course – When we have an attack the Japs give us only 20gms and their small amount only lasts for a short time.  However, I have gained back to 138 lbs and I am in better shape to combat the attacks.

(Diary) August 3, 1943 – Two years ago in Reno, Nevada I married a sweet girl – A month later, I was on my way to the Philippines.  Many times have I wondered what she is doing, where she is?  The news has been encouraging of late.  They are bringing in many officers from all over Japan.  They have been at various work camps.  Zentsuji is no doubt the Japanese Propaganda Camp.  God only knows how we would now be treated if the US was lagging behind – Anyhow, the days of the past have been dark, and some of the scenes can never be completely forgotten.  But hope springs eternal and future will not be denied – A cup of rice, a bowl of soup – meal after meal, day after day – But they add up.  I hope that before I see Margaret we get a chance to fatten up on some real food.  I now weigh 138 pounds – This is my weight of 15 or more years ago – However, many of us do not look so bad now because we are flabby – Rice fat is what they call it – but a little exercise everyday and the right kind of chow and we will be good as new.

(Diary) August 9, 1943 – Had a reshuffle in camp.  In the past two weeks approximately 250 officers from camps all over Japan have been arriving.  As this is definitely the Japanese Propaganda Camp, it is highly significant, so I think.  We are now in rooms according to rank.  I am still in the same room, but all the personnel is different except for four officers.

(Diary) August 24, 1943 – The optimism around camp is higher than anytime since we have been prisoners.  Something definitely seems to be happening in Europe – The news in the paper tell of the evacuation of Sicily.  The Russians are at Kharkow and Quebec Conference between Roosevelt and Churchill is in progress.  China is becoming increasingly important according to the Japanese papers:  Some think Germany will not last out the winter and the Pacific War will be over by next spring.  The food is not anymore than formerly but it is of better quality – They are giving us a thicker better soup and while it is only a couple of bites each time we have been getting fish, twice a week for the last three weeks – My health is greatly improved – I now weigh 143 pounds and started to take light exercise every morning – Hope springs eternal and nine months is my prediction – God grant that my loved ones are well and happy.

(Letter) August 29, 1943 Post card

Dear Margaret:  I am well.  Have written three times.  Please notify my mother.  I think of you so much.  Love my darling wife.  Basil

(Letter) October 3, 1943 Post card

Dear mother: I am well.  My fervent prayer is that you are in good condition, and have heard about me before this letter.  Have courage.  We will be happy again.  I must close. Love to all.  Basil

(Diary) August 31, 1943 – In the past week the quantity and quality of the food has deteriorated rapidly.  At muster this morning when we all fell in Japanese Sergeant went along and slapped all the room leaders that had their arm bands misplaced etc.  He slapped four officers and three enlisted men – This is just another indication – There are many incidents, the most important, that because of their nature have not been chronicled in this diary.  Suffice to say, that very few of us have escaped being slapped while others have been beaten.   

(Diary) September 10, 1943 – The Mainichi – The English printed newspaper carried headlines of Italy’s Unconditional surrender as of September 3, 1943 – Were we happy?

Dates:

(1)  July 15 – Landed in Sicily

(2)  July 25 – Mussolini resigned

(3)  September 3 – Landing in Italy

(4)  New of Italy’s surrender on September 3

(Diary) October 8, 1943 – There are many things that can not be put in a diary when one is a prisoner of War.  Aside from the military reasons, I have been too miserable most of the time to record conditions at the time they happened.  Then there are some things that will never be forgotten, but are so brutal and unbelievable that it is best to keep them locked inside.  Here at Zentsuji, prison life is not so bad – The days fairly fly past.  Evidently this is the best prison camp in Japan, the one that can later be used for propaganda – I feel very fortunate in being here – I am almost certain that if I had stayed at Tanagawa, I would now be pushing up daisies.  At this time of the year we get up at 6:00am – we fall in and report by numbering off to Jap Officer – At 7:00 comes chow and that is welcome – 8:00 is work call and all officers except the ones that have room orderlies’ jobs etc. fall in – we are divided up into squads.  The largest squad is composed of about 250 men, the outside Agriculture squad.  I am a member.  There is a rabbit feed gathering Squad that goes out and pulls grass for the rabbits that we grow.  We now have chickens, young ones that we get no eggs from and cannot eat but there is hope for the future.  A chicken raising squad camp, clean up squad and inside gardening make up the rest of camp details.  The outside gardening work ½ day, either morning or afternoon – We wash our own clothes, but we have a tailor and barber – of course the work done is rough – the barber can only cut hair with scissors and hand clippers.  Library – opens at 9:00am and there are now some really good books.  I have read more since I have been a prisoner than I did in the previous ten years.  Lunch is at 12:00pm and we are allowed to lie down on our bunks until 1:30pm.  The big occasions are when we get Red Cross Boxes with a can of butter, bar of chocolate, cheese, corned beef etc.  We have never been allowed a whole box so far the Japanese take all the tins out to give it to the galley and it is then dished out all too infrequent times in the soup.  I have had three Red Cross Boxes since January – so that averages about 1 every 2 1/2 months.  Living so close to one another, thirty to a room – warm friendships develop – My special friend here is Kenneth LeBarts (Photo of Kenneth Lebarts to the below) from Los Angeles, California – Kenny is a 2nd Lt. the Air Corps and as he is from LA and was

also married only a short time before coming to Philippines, we have a lot in common.  For about six months we bunked together and shared with one another – Now Kenny is in another building but we are together everyday and still carry on our sharing of whatever we have.  Kenny is a great guy and I predict a successful future for him – He has natural business ability and is a born trader – One fault he has that is also common of me is that he forms dislikes of people and does not especially try to keep from clashing with them – However, we are in close quarters here and I believe that in a normal life none of us would become perturbed over small things that now arouse us.  Kenny and myself talk a lot about what we would do after the war – but of course all our plans have to be considered in light that we do not know what conditions are like now or how they will be later – Of one thing we are certain – We want to get together with our wives and take a nice vacation.  Food problem is becoming increasingly serious – When it is realized that for almost two years we have eaten rice as the main dish for three times a day and very little of that – one can readily see or understand how we are continually hungry for food – Our rice ration is now mixed with beans and barley and consists of a tea cup full – we usually have a soup of some kind, very good too but of course no meat – mostly greens but occasionally we have beans and gravy and few potatoes – We no longer get ½ loaf of bread at noon but have to get along on the issue of rice.  We get a daily paper – In fact two, the Mainichi and Nippon Times.  They are both chucked full of Japanese propaganda but naturally we get some information from the big announcements that occasionally occur – For example, the retaking of Attu, the Russian advance, the landing on Italy all gives us hope that the war will not be too long. 

(Diary) October 19, 1943 – We received a Canadian Red Cross Box on the 17th.  The prunes, raisins, and cheese were spoiled and corn beef was removed but we had left 2 cans fish, 1 can butter, 6oz tea, 1 pkg hardtack, 1 lb can powder milk – and the candy bar was not so bad that we couldn’t eat it. 

An excellent friend of mine has turned up in Chief Linn of the Navy – He is a band master and swell guy – His family live in Oakland, California – When I was sick with the sore throat, and couldn’t eat rice, he sent me a bottle of milk, and ever since we have been warm friends – Bandy works in the bakery and insists that he gets more food than he can eat and about five days ago he insisted that I eat his noon portions of rice as he never eats it but gives it away – I didn’t like to do this but as we are friends and that someday I may have the opportunity of repaying him I accepted so for the past week I have really been enjoying myself – even if I am only getting rice and soup. 

The news in the Japanese papers is not very much today – Nothing about Burma and very little about the fighting in Southern Italy – What I wouldn’t give for some real news. 

One of our crowd received a telegram and that cheered us somewhat – Our chief worry lately had been that our loved ones have not heard that we are alive – I continually think about my mother and little wife and prey that they both are well – Three years is a longtime and it looks as though it will be that length of time before I see Margaret again.  If I could only get a letter or picture.  My dear mother must have certainly suffered because It has been almost seven years since I was home.  I must fly to Kentucky soon as possible after getting back to California.

(Letter) November, 1943

Hello America:  This is Lt. Basil J. Gilbert, a prisoner of War in Japan.  Will someone please notify my wife, Mrs. Margaret Seibel Gilbert, 47 Dorlores Avenue, Watsonville, California and my mother, Mrs. Nancy Gilbert, 251 KY. Ave, Lexington, Kentucky of the contents of this message.  My health is alright.  I must written several letters but at this date have not received any.  Please send pictures. 

            Margaret, please notify Mrs. Mary Jane LeBarts, 1723 Livaria Avenue, Los Angeles that her husband, Lt. Kenneth LeBarts send his love and that he is well.  Lt. Wm. D. Todd’s mother, Mrs. W.O. Todd, 463 June Street, Los Angeles that her son is well.  Mrs. L. E. Johnson, 412 Soledad Street Salinas, California that her husband Capt. L.E. Johnson is well.

            Mother, have published in Lexington Leader that following officers are in prison camp:  Lt. Norman A. Wides, Lt. James, A. Leggett, & Lt. Albert Moffett was in good health when I last saw him in P.L.

(Diary) November 25, 1943 – Thursday – Thanksgiving Day.  One year ago I arrived in Japan – I will never forget my feelings on arriving at the docks in Moji.  Thinly clad, hungry, sick with malaria and dysentery, our group made a sorry spectacle and hopes of our surviving were slim.  Many have died but somehow, I have survived and to day feel as if there is a wonderful chance of being home before another Thanksgiving Day.  Our treatment is much better and we are getting better food – Still rice and soup three times a day but the soup are thicker with vegetables or grass as it would probably be classified in America.  Since we have arrived here in Japan – we have received five Red Cross boxes and they have been a God send.  The weather is getting cold and we live in cold barracks without any heat whatsoever and we haven’t had a decent meal for two years but we still are thankful this “Thanksgiving Day” for all God has done in bringing us through.

(Diary) November 26, 1943 – Yesterday was a big day in Zentsuji.  The arrival of the Leia Maru a week ago – gave us all hope that we would receive letters and packages.  Letters arrived and one hundred and fifty were passed out last night.  I haven’t received any yet but expected to in a few days – Anyhow, we now know that our folks at home were notified last December that we were in Japan and that letters arrived from us in August.

(Diary) December 1, 1943 – My first letter from Emma and Leo Chaddock telling me that they had received my letter and Margaret was alright.  I hope they keep my letter because I have forgotten what I said – I know that my spirits were pretty low, we had no fires and were literally starving so it must have been rather pessimistic, I hope that Margaret and the family have not worried to much.  I pray to God that I will soon be with my loved ones.

(Letter) December 3, 1943 (written August 31, 1943)

Watsonville, Calif.

Dear Gil:  This letter may reach you sometime and I hope it reaches you in good health and spirits.  We are hoping and praying for your safe return.  Richard and Ronnie still remember you and ask about you.  We are sending you a package and we hope you will receive it sometime.  We will try to send some of the things you specified in your letter.  Margaret is keeping herself busy working everyday.  We all are quite busy.  Fortunately we are all quite well.  We wish you all the luck in the world. Love Emma and Leo

(Letter) December, 3 1943 (Written August 24, 1943 Mother)

My dearest Son, I am writing to you again.  I do hope you have been getting my letters.  This leaves everyone well.  All the folks in Ohio are well.  I am waiting for the time when we will be together again.  I have been getting along very well since you sent away.  I here from Margaret once in a while.  Your Aunt Amelia is writing to you too.  I am going to write to Washington to get a permit to send you a box.  All your relations will write and send you a box as soon as they can.  Son there are lots of things Mother would like to write about.  With all of my love and payers for you.  Your Mother

(Diary) December 3, 1943 – Thank God, I received a letter from my mother today – She says Margaret has written to her.  How thankful I will be when I can return home to the two people I love the most of all and devote my life to caring for them and making them happy.

(Letter) December, 1943 Zentsuji War Prison Camp, Japan

Darling; Received a letter from Emma & Leo on the first and one from mother on the 3rd of December.  So happy that you have corresponded with mother I wish that I could devote pages and pages to telling you how much I love you, but unfortunately my space is limited.  Dear, I do want you to know that your husband is in good health and still has all the old pep and energy left.  There is nothing wrong that a couple of months at home will not cure.  I have had some experiences myself and feel fortunate that I can return to a wonderful wife & mother.  Understand that I realize what your position has been and I long for the day when we can enjoy life together – A fundamental law of life is that of compensation and what we have to sacrifice now by being separated will enable us to enjoy our future so much more.  Please send this letter or a copy to mother.  I want her and you to know that my one ambition is to bring happiness to you both.  Some thoughts:  Better to typewrite letter to me.  Desire pictures above all, write me often, dears – wonder if you received my checks from here and if any Xmas presents at all got back from Philippines.  Your letter should clear up a lot – Remember this has been my first news since Nov. 1941.  The wife of a good friend of mine here in camp, Mrs. Kenneth A. LeBarts 1723 Lavonia Ave., Los Angeles is about your age.  You might write to her.  Richard and Ronnie must be quite the young gentlemen by now.  Love and wish for your future happiness. 

(Diary) December 24, 1943 – Tomorrow is Xmas and how different from last year.  I now weigh 159 lbs and although I am rather pot bellied from rice diet, I can at least face the cold weather with some reserve.  Over 2000 letters have been given out to date and at the present time there are 5000 still left in the Japs office.  Have not received one from Margaret, but I am confident there must be some for me.  If I only get pictures my happiness will be complete.  How I long to return to my darling wife and mother.  I feel sure that I will be able to make them happier now than I could possibly ever have before this experience.  I know that life consists of various experiences, some happy, some unhappy and that the person that realizes this “truth” – nothing remains the same – will take his ups and downs more philosophically.  We received Red Cross Boxes today.  One American Box between three of us and one British and one Canadian between six of us.

(Diary) December 25, 1943 – Xmas Day – I went to Church we sang Xmas Carols last night.  Everybody is in the best of spirits and an air of good fellowship prevails.  Kenny LeBarts gave me a lovely card and bar of soap and a pair of suspenders, Bill Todd gave me a package of G. W. Tobacco.  Chief Linn and Chief Blaha gave me a yellow bowl pipe and a package of G.W.  I gave Kenny G.W., the Chief’s a can of coffee and Chef Linn a can of coffee.  Chief Linn has been very kind to me and is a real friend.  He works in the Bakery and does not eat all his rice and for two months he insisted that I take at least one issue of rice from him.  Todd is getting extra rice now.  I am no longer continually hungry and feel that I am able to withstand anything that lies before me and my return home.  The newspapers naturally do not give us good news but we can not help but feel optimistic over the war situation.  Kenny and I are the best of friends and share alike.  Bill Todd is comparative newcomer in camp but we have developed a very sincere friendship.  He lives in Los Angeles as does Kenny and I expect to see a lot of them after Margaret and I get settled.

Menu – Xmas Breakfast

Rice

Beans & Carrot & Corn Beef Stew

Raisins & Cocoa

Dinner – Chicken & Rabbit Gravy, about 30 chickens – Bread and Jam

Supper – Meat & Vegetable Stew rice – 2 Bean Cake and Plum pie

Xmas night in the Canteen, some of the Americans presented the play – Dickens “A Xmas Carol” and it was excellent.

(Letter) January 1, 1944 Received (Written March 30, 1943 Mother)

Lexington Ky.

First Lt. Basil J Gilbert

My Dearest Son, I am writing you, I do hope you receive my letter.  This leaves all very well and I do hope you are fine and the Japanese will be kind to you and let you write to me.  You just remember me, for I am always with you.  Did you ever get the box the church sent you.  Everyone here sends there love.  I went in the Bank Mr Brand and Hace and all send there love.  Herald Jordon have gone to Detroit Mich to live.  He said he had written to you.  There are so many things and would love to write but this letter may sum.  But this has my heart and soul in it and I am going to write to you often.

(Letter) January 10, 1944 Received (Written Jan 7, 1943 Mother)

Lexington Ky.

My Dearest Son, I have just got word through the International Red Cross how to write you.  Son this leaves me well.  Your Grand Mother Lucy Amelia and all the rest are very well.  I hear from Margaret often, she sent me your picture and hers.  I was so glad to get them.  We are going to send you a box just as soon as we can.  There are so many things I would love to write about. I will close.  Love to you from your Mother.

(Diary) January 13, 1944 – Today, I gave a birthday party for Kenny LeBarts and Bill Todd.  Fixed a nice cake.  Bread and milk, cocoa – had jam sandwiches and luncheon meats.  We all had a “Bull Session” afterwards & talked of our homes & loved ones & what were going to do after the war.  Kenny has received letter from his wife and mother.  What a lucky man. I received two letters from mother January 11, they were dated Jan 1, 1943 & March 1943 – Everybody seems to be ok at home & that makes me very happy.  Margaret & mother have been corresponding and that makes me exceeding happy.  Mother tells me Harold Jordon was gone to Detroit.  I hope he has a good job & makes a lot of money because he is a great pal and I wish him the best.  I should be hearing from Margaret one of these days.  There are still 4 or 5 thousand letters down in the office.  Some of them must be for me. 

(Diary) January 17, 1944 – Tonight I received my first letter from my dear wife, I can not describe how happy I am.  For months I have only had one worry.  I love her so and I realized that we married in a hurry and she might have regrets.  Now I know that she must love me as I love her and is waiting for me.  The future will be wonderful for us both because God intended it to be.  I am very happy.  When I saw Margaret I fell in love with her at once.  I knew she was the only one for me – Nothing in the past, no one mattered, all that mattered was that here was the one I had been seeking for and I didn’t waste anytime telling her so.  She must have felt the same way because she said yes and now all we have to do is both be patient until the war is over and we can share our lives together.

(Post card sent along with letter) January 24, 1944 

My darling wife, How happy I was received your first letter dated April 23, 1943.  Darling, I love you so much and think of you so often.  I wish that I could write pages and pages of my plans for our future.  Please write often and tell mother letters can be longer.

(Post card) January 25, 1944 

My Darling Wife:  How happy I was to receive your first letter dated April 23, 1943.  Darling, I love you so much and think of you so much.  I wish that I could write pages and pages of my plans for you future.  Please write often and tell Mother, letters can be longer. Basil

(Diary) January 26, 1944 – Today, it is beginning to get cold.  How different this winter from the last, although I live in barracks 30 men to a room sleep on wooden boards, a very hard mattress and have only five cheap thin blankets, one captured British uniform and an overcoat to my name; less than a good sized soup bowl of rice per day, and thin greens for our soup, I am so much better off than last year.  Sometimes, naturally I get the blues, thinking about my wife, my mother and all the dear relatives & friends in the good old U.S.A. – We are allowed a Japanese English newspaper, but still the war seems a long way from being over.  If I can get home before next Xmas – so I can be with my loved ones then I will be as satisfied as possible under the circumstances.  Today, I am very blue – letters will cheer me up.

(Letter) February 4, 1944 Received (Written February 2, 1943)

Watsonville, Calif.  Dearest Gil, I, as well as the whole family, was very happy to hear that you were sill alive and we all know it wont be long until you’ll be able to come home.  Your mother and I have been corresponding quite regularly and by her letter I could tell that she hadn’t ever given up hope.  There isn’t a day I haven’t thought of you and if Gods will you’ll be back home with us real soon.  My grandmother is quite ill in the hospital.  I believe most of her illness is from worrying over you and Bill who is in the service, also.  The whole family says “Hello,” and want you to know that they are all waiting for your return.  I hope so much I’ll be able to hear from you, if just only a few words.  Dear, I will close now with all my love and I want you to know that you are always in my heart.  Your loving wife Margaret

(Diary) February 15, 1944 – “Just a crust of Bread” – I have heard so many men wish for bread.  Today on the “Rabbit Detail” trying to find green grass weeds, or anything that the dying rabbits can eat one of my English pals “Bill” Harper Smith said he never thought he would see the day when he would wish, long for with all his heart and body for just a crust of Bread: Weather – Cold, windy – no fires, we keep our clothes on, all of them from 6:30am until Muster in Tinko at night.  The days are of course miserable, but we find ourselves much better off then last year.  They cut out the papers a couple of days ago – so we all have our opinions as to what has happened.  Rumor has it that speech by American Congressman dealing with protest made to Japan concerning treatment of War prisoners.  Someday this will all be over, but I hope that I shall never forget the lessons I have learned.  “Realism” is going to be my religion and way of living.  So many of us go through life without accepting the real facts.  Something’s are impossible to change – A man or woman wishes and wants for so many things, and so often finds that after acquiring them they do not bring happiness.  When we are young we can not be told the truth, because we will not listen – we don’t want to – because other things beckon us.  However, no one can say that a man’s way of life wrong – if he wants to travel, have adventure, that is or – but he must realize that he must someday give up something for what he now is enjoying.  Everything one enjoys must be gained at cost – a denial of, or giving up.

(Letter) February 17, 1944 Received  (Written April 23, 1943)

My dear Husband, It has been such a long time since I have written to you and God only knows if you will get this letter.  Every day I keep thinking of you and wondering how you are or what you are doing, but all I can hope and pray for is that you are well.  You don’t have to ever worry about me because I still love you and always will.  I’m fine and as healthy as ever.  The family all send their best regards and wishes you luck.  My grandmother has been ill for some time now and she knows she can never be well again.  She is always asking about you.  Bill is in the Navy, as I have written you before, and still able to come home for the weekends.  This is Lucille’s last year at high school and she is a tall beautiful blonde!!  She gives all the soldiers a bad time.  Whenever she isn’t she works at the Fox Theatre.  Lucille just walked in and grabbed what little I had written to read and she brought some cookies which we are now eating.  I received a letter from your mother a week ago and answered it the following day.  We correspond quite regularly.  Last Sunday I had my fortune told and I was told that I would have three children and a home all of my own and that I’d have a very happy life.  Can hardly wait till you get home to make that all come true.  I’ll introduce you to my girl friend I go around with.  She is 5 ft 5” tall weighs 102 lbs, brunette and quite beautiful and guess the name, “Eve” pretty, huh.  The other day “Eve” and I sat in the bedroom and reread a few of your letters and brought back those sweet memories.  I thought of all the swell times you and I had together and it seemed like such a short time had elapsed.  Last week mother and I planted our vegetable garden and also painted our chicken fence.  I only hope they grow, meaning the vegetable, of course. I, as well as the whole family would like to hear from you if it would be possible.  If only a few lines.  It would make me feel so happy.  Well, dear, I want you to know that you are always in my heart and will always love you no matter what.  So am sending all my love and will be waiting word from you.  Your loving wife Margaret

(Diary) March 1, 1944 – We received another “R.C.” box today.  A few days ago the Japanese issued one box to four men but the camp refused them on the grounds of principle involved.  The boxes belong to us and are so constituted that there are many small tins in each box – If we had accepted the ¼ of a box – we would barely have received a taste of each article.

R.C. Box – March 1, 1944

1 – 6oz Rose Pasta-barley, levers etc.

1 - lb Milk - Powdered Milk

3 – 3 ¾ oz Butter

2 - Chopped Ham & Eggs 3 ½ oz

1 – 12 oz Party Loaf

1 – ¼ oz Cube Sugar

1 – 5 ¾ oz Jam

3 – 3 ¾ oz Corned Pork Loaf

Cheese, Corn Beef & Salmon was delivered to the Galley

(Letter) March 15, 1944 Received (Written July 8, 1943 Mother)

Lexington Ky.  My Dearest Son, I do hope you received my letter.  This leaves everyone very well.  I had a letter from your uncle Ray and he said all were well.  I have from Margaret after she sent me a lovely mothers day card.  Son not very much news to write about.  You know how dear you are to me.  Dear you are to me.  And your Mother think of you all the time.  I am looking some time real room to get a letter from you.  And will send you a box just as soon as they will let us.  You write me just as soon as you can.  Jac I would love much to hear from you.  Son you write under stand and cont.  Write a long letter.  Just to let you here from me and write often.  I will haft to close now with all my love to you my dear Boy.  From your mother Mss Nancy Gilbert

(Letter) April 19, 1944 – Post Card – To Margaret

            Sweetheart:  I have just finished writing a letter to mother.  Told her to give you information – Please write more often and tell me a lot of news.  I am interested in anything you are doing, or anyone you know, dear.  Check with Pajano Bank and let me know if government has continued my checks.  Some good text books and novels arrived and I am keeping my mind active.  I am ok and looking forward to the day when I can do for my loving wife and mother.  We are going to be very happy, Margaret, because we both are simple and oh there is so much that I could write, but I am allowed the space.  Try and type me two or three letters a week – Some of the fellows received boxes, I expect mine will come along one of these days – Dear, our future lies together never fear, this will all seem like a bad dream someday – Keep your mind active by study and time will soon go by – If we are made of the right stuff nothing will ever lick us.  Love you – Please have snapshots made and enclose one in every letter.

(Letter) April 19, 1944 – Post card to Mother 

Dear Mother:  I am optimistic, as you know my philosophy of life is very realistic – that is why I can adjust myself to any condition.  Finally some good books arrived and I try to keep my mind busy – I want you to know that at one particularly dark period for myself, I asked a friend Otto and see you and tell you how much I love you and that if I had any regrets – they were that I had not been a better son – Take care of yourself, because you are very dear to me and I am going to make the remainder of our life as happy as I can – Mail, both you and Margaret have wrong conception of the number of letter you can write and contents of those letters – Many prisoners have received over a hundred letters telling them all about their friends and relatives.  Suggestion, rent a typewriter and write me a letter everyday or so telling me about everybody you can think of.  Where you able to cash all the checks I left.  Give Margaret information about writing.  What do you think of her?  Some boxes have been received by prisoners.  I hope to get one someday.  I would like to have the pairs of heavy socks and food – I want you both to get one someday.  I would like to have two pairs of heavy socks and food – I want you both to send pictures.  Give all this information to Margaret – If you have bad news for me, just as well, tell me while I am in prison because we want nothing to mar the happiness and joy of our reunion.  Love to all – Tell them to write – Your Loving son.

(Diary) April 21, 1944 – Received 1/3 of American Red Cross box today.

(Diary) April 28, 1944 – International Red Cross representative arrived in Camp.  Japanese have been very busy last few days finishing “Rabbit House” – they also produced the only meat in the soup we have had in months.  If it wasn’t so tragic, it would give us a laugh the way the soup reverted back to type this -----.  Incidentally for the last two months the soups have been the worset since I have been a prisoner of War in Zentsuji – soup day after day is just leaves and twigs and three stems – Most of the men have learned to eat it or at least drink the soup.  I have found when you get hungry enough you can eat practically anything – Anyhow, one teacup of rice three times per day and a grass, or garbage soup as some prefer to call it, is our subsistence. 

The papers are still delivered and we learn that Europe is getting quite a pounding and that the 2nd front seems eminent – Predictions are naturally rampant around camp as to just how long Germany will last – Personally – I think that not longer than September and these people will see their way clear to giving in soon after that.  Some think they will fight to the last, but I believe the Japanese are too realistic and as they would have everything to gain and by terminating the War save their industries and people from a protracted useless War – My thoughts these day continually turn to home and my wife and mother – I wonder how they are getting along and dream of the future in store for us – I am not so particular anymore but I do want to live good – and be happy and make others happy.

(Diary) May 7, 1944 – I was 33 years old yesterday – Last week Lt. Kenny LeBarts and Lt. William Todd gave me a nice birthday party from some “Red Cross” supplies they had saved for the occasion.  We had a rice cake and a “great mix,” spread over rice.  Chief Linn and Chief Blaha gave me some nice presents, a suit of good stateside underwear, handkerchief, ½ lb of sugar, socks and lovely Birthday card.  I also received a card from Kenny and Bill.  I have been studying like a Trojan lately – I spend three or four hours a day reading aloud and looking up definitions – However, it is becoming almost impossible to sleep at night due to the bed bugs – There are literally millions of them.

(Diary) May 20, 1944 – Received a short note of 25 words form mother telling me she received my present – How very happy I am to know that I have been able to do something for her – Also received a Xmas card from Sam Elseys – Have two more letters listed.  One must be from Margaret –  I know she is writing regularly, but only two letters have reached me.

(Diary) June 9, 1944 – This has been a big week;  Rome fell and now the invasion has at last started – With what hopes, yearning and desire we all look forward to the day we can be out of here.  I have been keeping myself busy studying voice improvement, vocabulary building, and a little Spanish.  The food situation has not shown any improvement – We still only receive one cup of rice per meal and have had no flour, meat, fats or anything good at all for months – We are beginning to lose weight again.  We still have hopes that Red Cross Boxes may arrive for Valadistock.  Still the news has been good although we are hungry all the time.  We have more hope then ever before – I am personally optimistic and always have been – I feel sure Germany will not last longer than three months and the Japanese may throw the sponge in then or shortly afterwards.  Bedbugs are worthy of mention because they are the bane of our existence.  This old barracks has literally millions of them.  They keep us awake at night and in the morning we find scores, full of our precious blood in our sheets – They are maddening and I am declaring long – life enmity on these scourges of mankind.  My thoughts increasingly turn of late to Margaret, my mother, and the post war world – There will be a place for me and mine and we are going to be happy.

(Letter) June 9, 1944 - Post Card

My Dear Wife, I am well, full of hope of seeing you soon.  Received February and April 1943 letters from you and three from Mother, last dated October.  Lots of fellows have received packages.  Keep writing often and send food packages.  Eventually will reach me.  Keep trusting, we will be happy very soon.

(Diary) June 17, 1944 – Landing on Saipan – Kuiyusu raided by planes from China

(Diary) June 22-21, 1944 – Happy Day – Received short letter from my darling Margaret – written 1/24/44 telling me she has received two letters, card, and everything is ok – also Aunt Amelia wrote me.

(Letter) June 23, 1944 (Written January 23, 1944)

My Darling: Received two letters, card and happy you feel better.  Everyone sends their love and best wishes.  Still waiting foy you.  Always thinking of you.  All my love, Margaret

(Diary) June 30, 1944 – Received a telegram from my dear wife today – Very Happy – Newspapers have been very favorable this month – I can finally see the windup – Russia started their big push on the 22nd our landing was on the 6th in Europe – Saipan news is definitely good – Italy is showing progress – I may be able to have Xmas dinner after all with my dears.  It all depends on what the Japanese do when their ally Germany throws in the sponge which shouldn’t be very long.

(Letter) June 30, 1944

Lt. Basil J. Gilbert

Message:  Received letter all well working writing you love wife Margaret Gilbert. 

(Diary) July 5, 1944 – A young Air Corps colonel that was shot down at Rabaul arrived in camp yesterday.  We are all eager to talk to him – How depressed we get at times – and no wonder – Day after day, month after month, year after year, the same food – rice three times a day, a thin soup – we get only an average of an ounce of meat per week.  Red Cross boxes are a joke, because we have only received about 6 in 24 months – Always hunger, living crowded together – lacking any of the comforts of life, longing for our friends and relations – is it any wonder that we sometimes despair – but not for long, because man is adaptable creature and no matter how trying our circumstances, we go on living and hoping – the man that said that hope was the greatest word in the English language knew what he was talking about because it is our bulwark and salvation.

(Diary) July 21, 1944 – The past few months have been unusually devoid of any kind of food that even compares with what we formerly received – I have lost 19 lbs since the first of the year – All men are getting weaker – The rice is even less then it used to be – at times we don’t get a cup – Soup no longer exists as it is just a thin water with a few roots etc.  Sometimes we get so weak from hunger that we have blackouts – and momentarily have to lie down.  However, today is the big day – for the news of the “Tojo Cabinet” resignation has just been released – We are all happy and even the most pessimistic must see that the War's coming to a close.  I really have hopes of being with my wife and mother this Xmas.

(Letter) August 1, 1944 Post Card

Dearest:  I pray that we are together this Xmas – Believe me, when I say I send you all my love and never will cease wishing and hoping and believing that we will be together again soon – Your Devoted Husband

(Letter) August 1, 1944 Post Card

Dear Mother, Love to you and the family, Believe me I would give anything to be home Xmas or Thanksgiving – I never cease to hope and want you all to do the same – The darkest hour is just before the dawn and it is very dark here now – Love

(Diary) August 8, 1944 – Today is my third wedding anniversary – I am sure that my fourth will be celebrated by my dear Margaret and myself – The papers were discontinued on the first and so now we have no news at all – However, even the most pessimistic will agree that the end of the World War # 2 is not very far off – Last night we had air raid alarm.  This is the third in last two months – For the present I will close this diary – the food situation is serious – we have had another rice cut so that we now receive 2 ¼ cups of cooked rice per day.  We are using for vegetables anything that is eatable – “GoBo” are stems, some as big as a man’s finger – from our own garden we now are cutting sweet potato vine tops – There just doesn’t seem to be any vegetable at all – of course meat is out of the question, that we haven’t had but a few pounds per man for over a two year period now – It is my personal belief that if the War ends in the next three or four months – we will all pull through in spite of starvation rations.

(Diary) September 1, 1944 – A card from Lindsey Fitch and a picture of the old gang at the First National arrived – I am very happy and remarked to a fellow prisoner that I would rather have received them than a Red Cross Box.  This is highly significant and expresses my feeling toward anything First National, because we only received 2 1/3 cups of rice per day now, no meat for many months.  I am a heavyweight in the camp of 135 pounds.  However, I am optimistic and look forward to being with my pals in the near future.

(Letter) September 1, 1944

Jo. W. H. Courtney

Dear Friends, Thanks for pictures and letters.  Happy Christmas, “Home Sweet Home” gets sweeter.  Understanding has come with experience.  Scarlett O’hara, goads were well off - Love

(Diary) September 24, 1944 – Received ¼ box American Red Cross – Food has been exceptionally scarce less than 350 grams rice per day – No soup except potato tops – Haven’t had flour or meat for months – About once a week we get perhaps 1 oz squirrels.

(Letter) October 1, 1944

Darling, Do not be discouraged.  If on advice of bank you think it necessary to invest part of our money in Pajaro, so as to protect value, do so.  Still haven’t received no pictures, box; but 3 letters from you.  Love to all.  Your Loving Husband.

(Letter) November 1944 Post card

Dear Mother:  My thoughts are constantly with you and my dear family.  God take care of you keep you well until I can be with you.  Love to all.

(Diary) November 20, 1944 – Everybody has been very downhearted for the past few months – the food situation has been very bad – I have gone down to 132 pounds, Kenny LeBarts 111, Al Oyen 116.  Food has been so bad that we have not even received a teacup of rice per meal – but and how big it is – Red Cross food will be in tomorrow and by the end of the week we should have some good old American food – This winter looked very bleak and dark indeed but with a little food from home – we will make it – Our spirits have gone up 1000% - we look forward to being home soon.

(Diary) November 23, 1944 – Yesterday was both a day of sorrow and joy.  Flight Molden died day before yesterday – Cause of death was starvation and malnutrition according to our doctors.  He is just the first of what we had been expecting.  There are many men that are just holding on – A strong worded letter was sent to the Japanese Commandant stating the cause of his death and condition of men in camp – Also reference was made that the Japanese Government would be held responsible and something should be done immediately to relieve the food situation and stop the prevalent malnutrition diseases.  Many men in the camp will be permanently affected in later life.  On the same day Red Cross Supplies started arriving – About 9400 food parcels, good overcoats, and other relief supplies.  We feel sure that this is a turning point and if the Japanese will release the boxes to us often enough – we can all come sailing through the following months.  One complete box was put out yesterday and we have asked for one a week and a bare minimum of two per month.  We are fairly well fixed for winter Red Cross clothes, but as there are no fires and we live in big cold barracks 32 men to a room by 25 by 50 – It is absolutely necessary to have adequate food to keep the body temperature up.  When your hands are cold or your feet there is no relief – and many suffer all winter from chill blains.  However, there is a wonderful enthusiasm today.  Everybody is looking better and if we do continue to get Red Cross food – We can take the winter in stride.

(Diary) November 30 1944 – Another R.C. box – They saved us again.

(Letter) December 1944 Post card

Dearest:  Another Xmas away from you.  Hope we can celebrate your birthday.  Have received four letters and telegram from you to date – Be my own little wife, always – Love

(Diary)December 25, 1944 – Thanks to our R.C. Supplies we have had a very satisfactory Xmas – we had bean soup for breakfast, 50 chickens in soup for noon, and rabbits.  About 50 tonight doesn’t go far for 780 men but we are thankful because we are all sure that this will be our last away from home.  God give us strength to pull through it to return to our homes.  In two days will be my fourth wedding anniversary and prisoner of war almost 3 ½ years – Rather ironic – However, I feel that I wouldn’t go through the last three and one half years for all the money in the world – because my life would no doubt be lost – As far as we are able to ascertain – not even 50% of Bataan survivors will ever return home.  There is one thing that I would go through it again for and that is for my country, my people. 

(Letter) January 1945

Dear Margaret, the last letter I received from you was written January 24, 1944.  Received in June 1944.  Have sent about 14 to you or mother.  Most of my friends are receiving about 50 to 75% of mail.  Folks seem to be writing weekly.  I have written to you about business, future happiness, etc., but do not know what letters you have received.  Realize you have changed.  Understand your problems.  We were really beginning to know each other when we had to part. I loved you from the first and still do.  I would feel much happier if mail started arriving more often.  Love and God Bless. Your Dear – Basil

(Letter) January 1945 Post Card

Darling, Due to our short association, changes will probably not be so obvious, but they were inevitable – Varied experiences, much good reading, and contemplation, has caused a revaluing of certain things on my part.  I believe you will be happier for it.  Mail – 36 letters received three from you, one telegram – most of my friends are receiving 50% of mail of wives writing once a week.  There must be a snag somewhere.  Last date January 1944 – box - None received – expecting someday – I hope to be with you for our wedding anniversary - your loving husband.

(Letter) January 1, 1945 Post card

Husband, Starting the New Year with hopes of seeing you soon.  Will write as often as possible.  Am fine and love you. Your Wife Margaret

(Letter) March 1945 card

Prisoner of War, Information Bureau, Washington DC

Purchase Gov. Bonds with all pay accumulated in Finance Dept.  Continue indefinitely, with understanding full value redeemable within 60 days.  Retroactive as of December 1941 – Beneficiary – Nancy Jones Gilbert, 251 Ky.  Safekeeping Treas.  Dept. Lt. BJ. Gilbert AS No – 358847

(Letter) April 1945

Dear mother, Bless you on this Easter Day – Looking forward to seeing you soon.  Do you and Margaret write often to each other?  Love to all.

(Diary) April 15, 1945 – We received the tragic news yesterday that our great President Franklin Delano Roosevelt died on April 12, cerebral hemorrhage, at Warm Springs, Georgia.  Today we had a memorial service, very impressive – George Verity was excellent.  Japanese tell us that 300 men will shortly leave camp and that officers will receive more rice – this is a day to be remembered.

(Letter) May 1945 – Post Card

Darling, Happy Birthday Greetings – Keep the chin up.  By our anniversary we should be together – Love to you.  Written on my birthday – May 6.

(Letter) June 1945 - Card

Darling, Received letter from mother dated February, 1945.  Have not received package but all my love for trying.  It is a long road that has no turning.  Someday, I will be home.  Your loving husband.

(Letter) June 16th 1945

Dearest Gil:  Hope you are well.  Think of you every day.  Know we will be together soon.  Both have very much to look forward to. Love Margaret

(Diary) June 23, 1945 – Left Zentsuji for camp reputed to be in Northeastern Honshu – across from Manchurin & Korea.

(Diary) June 25, 1945 – After two days travel arrived in Fukoi Province in N. Eastern Japan – Trip was very difficult – Many homeless Japanese – Bombed areas in Osaka and Moji are total loss.  Miles of charred ruins of once industrial area – Our new camp is high up on a plateau on mountains.  It is very cool here in morning and night.  There are no fertilizes. Food has to be cooked out under a lean to and it is hard to get supplies here – Japanese have asked us to work – We have been trying to exist on 390 grams of rice per day and we are all weak and thin.  However, under the circumstances, we are going to work at first four hours a day.

(Letter) July 1, 1945

Dearest Gil:  Will be married four year next month.  Hope to celebrate our fifth anniversary together.  God Bless you and always have hope.  I love you. Wife Margaret

(Diary) July 6, 1945 – Have been working for a week – rice is better than Zentsuji issue but still very inadequate to maintain health. There is nothing but weeds, wild to eat, besides the rice.  Japanese have promised to improve the food – They will have to or we will not be able to continue working.

(Diary) August 5, 1945 – For over a month we have been clearing ground spade and hoe work - digging roots and planting sweet potatoes.  We have improved the appearance of the camp – the Japanese promised us 630 grams a day to work four hours – in 30 days the camp lost an average of 3 ½ kilos of 7 ½ lbs.  I lost 10 lbs and now weigh 125 pounds.  Everybody is from 40 to 50 pounds underweight.  We never received 630 grams but for two days.  Most of the time around 500 grams of rice – average around 1500 to 1200 calories.  Our doctors have always told us that it takes 1700 calories per day for a man at rest – Now our ration has been cut to 290 grams per day – about 1000 calories.  We don’t have to work but a worker ration is 480 grams – not enough to keep you going – much less work on – Last night Lt. Sam Dillard and Lt. Travis Smith took off to try and escape.  If they get through it will truly be a miracle – No one knew until this morning that they had left.  For 3 ½ years – our lives have been constant mental and physical torture – never enough to eat, inadequate clothing, never any heat in the winter – all the mental strain of being a Japanese prisoner of War.  There have been few men in this stage of the game that are still living who have felt “sorry for themselves” it has been survival of the fittest – although many good men have died from malaria, dysentery, etc.  Most all of us have suffered at sometime from disease and have had to fair it out.  Now again – It appears we will have a very dark period in the future.

(Diary) August 17, 1945 – The Japanese C.O. Called Lt. Col. Fitzpatrick in the office and told him that the officers would no longer work and neither would the enlisted men – We are all very excited because this is significant – However, we have been disappointed so much that nobody wants to get all worked up and then have a come down – But I still believe this day will be one we will never forget.

(Letter) August 18, 1945 (American Red Cross message form)

Dearest Gil:  So very happy that you’ll be home before long.  Seemed as if the War would never end and it has seemed ages since you’ve been away.  Hope that you are well enough to stand the trip home.  Have written to you several letters which were returned to me.  Received a wire from your mother last night telling me about this letter I’m able to write.  As I now understand she is in St Petersburg, Florida.  She must simply be overjoyed now knowing that she’ll see you soon.  Everyone at home is looking forward to seeing you really soon also.  I have been well and working.  Will have much more to tell you when I see you.  So will close now with all my love and will wait for your return.  Love your wife Margaret

(Diary) August 22, 1945 – Oh, what a glorious day – I am going home to my dear wife and mother – the Japanese C.O. called the senior officers in and told them that negotiations have been going on for sometime and now the war is over.  He could not say how long before we could leave but that we would have to bear a little longer – This has not been a complete surprise because of rumors and rather.  August 22, Cont. - Can’t define actions of Japanese since the order to quit work on the 17th.  Well – I am underweight have aged considerably – and leave very little strength but I am thankful that I have pulled through – From the very beginning of the war my attitude has been to live each day as best as I could – No one never knew when a bomb or a bullet would get him and after the surrender – many times it looked as if malaria and dysentery would take another victim – Anyhow, I am appreciative and expect to enjoy the rest of my life – I cannot expect to have happiness without sorrow because life just isn’t that way.  However, whatever I do have to meet should prove easier because of my knowledge of just how dark it can get and still get light again – God Bless America.

(Diary) August 25, 1945 – Still in Roku Roshi.  Yesterday we were told to paint P.O.W. on the roof of the barracks.  We are all excited because airplanes are expected in today with comfort kits.  The Japanese have increased our rice and turned the taking of muster over to us but so far we have had no perceptible increase in food of the kind we are all craving.  So today may well be the beginning of our all American food jag.  We hear all kinds of rumors.  Understand that US is coming into Tokyo harbor today or tomorrow and there will be a big naval demonstration the 28th.

(Diary) September 2, 1945 – A glorious day – Three days ago Colonel Unrul, Captain Lionberry, Lt. Rieder U.S.N -, and Lt. Johnorn left for a conference with the Red Cross.  They returned last night with food that had been dropped by our planes at another P.O.W. camp.  Everybody practically stayed up all night so intimal was the excitement.  They told us that our planes had not been able to find our camp due to our isolated position but that Red Cross representative had informed them that he would immediately notify Osaka to give location of our camp.  We are camp No. 11 and with camp No. 10 will be the last to receive supplies.  Early this morning a plane flew over and we thought fore sure that they had not seen us but a few hours later four B29 came low and dropped tons of clothes, food, candy, etc.  What cheering we did and how we worked like beavers to carry the supplier into our camp.  The Japanese started moving out of the campground and we were told that this afternoon Japan would formally surrender and that we would take over the administration of our camp.  A few minutes ago we all  (illegible) and old glory war (illegible).  The Japanese CO. and guards stood by and took part in the ceremonies.  We will never forget – The Japanese have been very cruel, very unforgettable all the way through.  They have tried in every way to humiliate us.  The only Japanese we feel sorry for are the peasant who have lived the same for hundred of years.  They as a class have not had anything to do with the war and will live much better under our occupation troops then they did in war or peace – We have magazines and late newspapers that were dropped today.  Except for the hand.

(Diary) September 6, 1945 – We are all very impatient naturally but the straight American food we are eating is a great help.  Kenny Lebarts, Wildish, Srnall, Limyo and myself gave a birthday party for Bob Stuler.  Later a huge bonfire was the stimulus for the outburst of celebration – We sang songs, cheered and burned Kobayashi in effigy.  The last named being a nip who made life unbearable for us in Zentsuji.  His favorite pastime was to make obnoxious remarks, “American pigs” he would scream at us.  It took all the will power one possessed to keep from taking a sock at the devil.  Of course he is only one of many nips that have taken advantage of our position.  As he spoke English – his insults were verbal as well as physical. 

(Diary) September 8, 1945 – Yesterday Bill Ou, Major, and Lt. Bill Wilson left to try and get us more food.  We have a small radio and at times we get broadcasts.  Evidently P.O.W. are being evacuated rapidly from the Lokye area – We hear that planes are being used to fly POW’s out to Japan.  This morning Ou and Wilson came back with a truck of supplies from one of the camps that have been more fortunate then we have.  We understand that delegates will be in here tomorrow and that we should leave tomorrow.  Last night Kenny and I had a bull session and talked of our wives or hopes, and the changed conditions we expect to find.  There is no doubt that we have changed and adjusting will have to be made but we are more broad minded, more worldly wise, more tolerant than ever before.  Soon we should be in a position to receive pictures and mail.

(Letter) September 11, 1945

My dear dear wife, I am writing this very early in the morning.  I am on a ship in Yokohama Bay.  The U.S. Fleet is all around and it is a very glorious sight.  In a short time we leave for Manila by plane we understand.  How long I will be there I do not know but there is a chance that I will be in the states within a week.  We are flying and the trip to you only takes 48 hours.  However, even if I am home so soon will probably have a period of quarantine.  There is so very much to tell you but mostly so many things I want you to tell me.  Perhaps, I will be able to verbally tell you while holding you in my arms so will give only a few recent details now.  Sept 2, Planes dropped food at our camp in Fukor Providence.  We had been moved to Zentsuji to camp up in the mountains.  Supplies were hard to get and the Nips convinced us that it was either work or starve.  So it was, it turned out to be both.  They did not feed us what they said they would and within a month of arriving at Rokuroshi I had lost 12 lbs. and was down to 124 pounds.  The future looked dreary for this winter.  However, something has happened all along to keep us going, the time the war ended.  Everybody is gaining weight rapidly, don’t be discouraged if when you see me I am a roly poly, a fat man.  We are eating so much without taking a great deal of exercise that instead of our gain being evenly distributed we are becoming stout.  Anyhow sweet, my health is going to be all right.  My mouth is very sore because of trying to chew meat when teeth have not been used to it.  I do need quite a bit of dental work and a great deal of proper food and exercise to get me back to a semblance of my former self.  There goes the chow call so I will have to break off soon.  We leave immediately after eating.  This I can tell you I have a lot of leave and a lot of money due me so plan on taking it easy for quit sometime.  After I get my leave I would like to stay in California two or three weeks and then we will go to Kentucky.  You had better quite your job right away because sweet I expect to keep you busy being my own little wife.  If I only had a picture then I could be sure you are still my little wife.  Remember, you used to tell me you would be like your aunt when I kidded you.  This is being written fast while standing up against a wall.  Anyhow, I expect to beat the letter, but just in case.  I love you.  BJ or Gil Whichever you prefer

(Letter) September 11, 1945

Darling:  Last night I wrote you a very short letter in which I was very optimistic about seeing you in a very short time.  We had reason to believe that we were going to get to fly back to the U.S.  However, we are still in Tokyo.  I am on a troop transport with about one hundred officers and 8 or 9 hundred enlisted men.  Although our quarters are not so elaborate as on one of the luxury liners we feel very much like kings when we think of our recent wretched conditions.  Perhaps dear it is better that I don’t get home for a few weeks after all.  I have a lot of eating to do to get my weight up to anywhere near my former 175 pounds of prewar lot.  I don’t relish the idea of my sweet heart seeing me at my present weight of 134 but don’t think I wont jump at the chance of flying to you if I get the chance.  There is usually something good to be found in everything so I have appeased my disappointment partially by thinking I will be in better physical shape and etc.  In all the time I was a POW I only received four letters and a telegram, so you know how hungry I am for news, and the many things I would like to talk to you about.  The Nips took away all my personal property in Bataan.  My most cherished possession was your pictures, of course.  I know that you have written me many letters and sent me photos that I have never received.  Dear, I would like very much to have you airmail me some recent pictures and all the news to Manila.  I have no information but believe we will be there a week or two.  Anyhow even if I don’t get them it would be worth taking a chance on.  Suggest you address letter to 1st Lt. Basil J. Gilbert POW of Japan To Adj. General Department, Manila P.L.  If possible send me a small picture of you that we had made in Watsonville and also one of us together and some recent pictures.  However, do not take the time to have new pictures made because you will have to send them right away if they reach me.  Margaret dear, there are so many damn many things I want to say but mostly I guess I just want to look at you and hold you in my arms.  I used to think of all the things I would write but now I find myself very impatient.  How much have you changed? I don’t know.  All I do know is this, from the very first time I saw you I determined that you were the one for me.  Many people would say we were foolish, to many, after knowing each other such a short time.  In the majority of cases they would be right, but not this time, especially from my standpoint.  You were young, I did not have a lot of money but I could have taken care of you and had as good if not better chance for a future.  You remember how persistent I was, how could you forget.  I just wouldn’t take no and you engaged to another man.  But you see dear, this just wasn’t a normal thing this was it and I couldn’t lose.  Of course when you finally consented to marry me, I was walking on air and never for a moment doubted that we would not be able to make a go of it.  And dear I believe this after knowing you a very short time because I saw in you characteristics I wanted in the girl to be my wife.  So I took the plunge and so did you.  It got me for a very few weeks the most happiness and contentment have ever known, and then the orders to go to Pl.  Still, I didn’t believe we would be parted very long.  I am sorry for only one thing, not for myself, not for you, because dear somebody had to be the fall guy and we can’t cry because it turned out to be us, but because I wasn’t with you longer so that there could never have been any doubt in my mind because sweet, forgive me, but I have doubted, not myself, but you.  I kept thinking how tough it was on you and after all I am not so hot and you being young.  Were you really glad or did you wish you were not tied down to a POW.  It had been rough and I know it.  I have only been concerned with trying to keep alive from starvation and disease while you have been free and have felt the best part of your life passing away.  Am I right or am I wrong.  I do know dear that we tend to always think we are spending our best years when we are young, but I am convinced now that older people have their enjoyment out of life too, perhaps more than youth, but hell, you are still my kitten and I am only 34.  Does that sound frightfully old and then I worried a tiny bit about how we would both change.  Being a POW is not conducive to improving ones looks but it does give a different slant to a lot of things formerly taken for granted.  You have been earning your own living for 4 years and that makes a gal rather independent.  I was sure when we married that you would like the same things, I liked, and you know yourself dear that you hadn’t been around to much.  That is a complement by the way.  I could keep on writing pros and cons for pages about my thoughts, I finally realized as I usually do about every problem that whatever it is will have to be met.  So I am coming now wanting to make her happy and to be happy.  Hoping that we both have not changed so much that we still wont have that mutual attraction that we must have for each other.  I can not make plans for our future because there is so much I don’t know about post war America.  Where we are going to live, what I am going to do, are matters that will have to be talked as we meet than.  However, I know my immediate plans.  First, to get home, get my back pay, finances, investments etc, looked after.  After getting out of quarantine spending a few weeks in California, then to Kentucky for a while.  If we can buy a new car we will do so and any palace you want to go to.  Why just say it.  I have been over all the states so I would like to have you choose any trip or trips you want to make.  At first tho, I would like to take you back to my home and show you off to my folks and my old friends.  I will need clothes and you will need some too.  So we will have a fine time buying a lot of new things.  Now sweet, I have got an idea that my wife is quite thrifty, well I like that, she wants a home and she is gong to get it.  A damn good one, but wouldn’t you think we would be foolish to build now or buy now with prices so high.  After all we haven’t got a family yet so I guess we can struggle along in a rental place for while.  Then I may have to stay in the Army longer then I anticipated and then again.  The Army may offer such an attractive deal that I may hate to turn it down.  See, I just don’t know.  Why darling we may be $4000.00 richer than I think we are.  My Colonel at Clark Field told me in Bataan in January 1942 that in December he had recommended me for a captaincy.  He left for another assignment and I was assigned to front line outfit.  Later in March he sent them a recommendation and gave me a copy.  When I was taken by the Nips I had no less then three copies of promotional recommendations.  They stripped me of my pocket book and so I have no evidence of my two former EQ; are now not living.  However, there was another block promotion list sent to Corregidor the first of April and returned to Bataan just before the surrender because of technicality.  Anyhow, it is rumored that we are going to be allowed one promotion, also if we had a recommendation in process retroactive as of dates if can be established.  Well, I don’t give a dam for the rank but the four thousand smackers could be used by us, couldn’t it, sweet.  Anyhow, as matters stand now, we will have enough to give us a nice nest egg to build for the future and a certain amount of security and enjoyment of good things.  As far as work is concerned, government work before army guaranties me a job for at least a year after I am dischanged and I know I will have 4 months leave coming, probably two months discharge pay on top of that, well why am I telling you this, you probably have been informed and know a lot more then I do, I will be so darn happy just to get home even if we didn’t have a dime.  Dear, you had better give in your reassignment if you haven’t done so on receipt of this letter because I would like to have you all to myself.  No more work for Margaret.  Except keeping a home for we.  Then dear, I think it would be nice if we could have a place all our own, little apartment etc. after I get released from hospitalization, for a couple of weeks in Watsonville.  Kenny LeBarts and I are still together.  We have been through a lot and if Kenny can work it, he wants to take his wife Mary Jane on a trip.  They still have a 1941 model U8 and I thought that we might drive down to New Orleans with them and see a few sights and visit a bunch of eating joints.  By the way, just because I am going to try out every good eating place in the U.S.A., and I am going to get gloriously fat doesn’t mean you are going to be able to do so.  Oh Hell, maybe I have put my foot into it, how do I know you aren’t, well on the plump side.  Well, love, they say can stand a lot and I guess dear yours has been put to a test.  Some of this has been in a serious vein and some of it is foolish, especially the stout part.  I reserve the right to amend anything I say if you ever get over 175 pounds.  Anyhow, I have had to take pretty much every hard physical hardship that a man can take and still I know I am ok and by the time you see me will be the picture of health.  I want you to be happy.  No mistakes about that.  I have never doubted your being true to me because Margaret, I just couldn’t, I wouldn’t have lasted because a man had to keep his mind optimistic at all times and worrying has killed many a person.  However, I know that circumstances sometimes change the way people feel about other people.  If anything or anybody has ever made you feel like I wasn’t the one for you, well, it would be a blow, but I had better take that blow now than later find out no go.  However, I just refuse to think about anything except happiness for us in the future.  We deserve it and I promise you that those vows I made in Reno are still sacred to me and always will be because they bound me to the woman I love.  Now dear, write me about pertinent information, did you get to buy the stock I wrote about, did you ever receive presents etc.  Your loving husband BJ.  PS Notice, I haven’t mentioned your folks or mine except slightly still I love them all but this is our special letter.

(Letter) September 16, 1945

Dearest Margaret, I have written you two letters today and I tore both of them up because I was not satisfied.  It is so hard to put one's exact meaning on paper.  Oftentimes the writer thinks what he is writing is clear but the reader gets an entirely different meaning then the one meant.  Darling, I find it necessary to be frank, you know that I love you very much, that I have been in the prison camp for almost four years, that there has been no influences that could make me feel any different toward you than I did when I asked you to be my wife.  Unfortunately, the wives and sweethearts that we men have left behind have had other distractions.  Some of my fellow POW’s used to get letters from their girl friends or other people announcing the marriage of the only girl who was waiting for them.  No one could blame the girls because I guess they figured they have their lives to live and a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.  In the case of married couples it is not out of the realm of possibility that some of the girls wished they were free so they could marry or again they might figure they didn’t make the right choice.  We are returning men that have been through a lot, more then anyone will ever really know or realize.  Naturally, a lot has been written and people may think we want sympathy but I for one do not.  What has happened is over, it is the future that counts.  I would be hurt for instance if I got home and you told me there was somebody else.  In fact, I don’t even like to think how bad I would be hurt.  But what would hurt me most of all would be to find out that my sweetheart didn’t love me, later, because she wouldn’t tell me because of sympathy or the feeling that she should be a martyr.  What I have to face in the way of adjustments I want to face right at first.  So I can try and make plans to have the happiest life I know how.  This is all that bothers me dear, I want your love wholly.  I have no room in my heart for anyone else.  I will admit I have had girl friends in the past, perhaps, once I thought I was in love but now that I have the real thing, I know better.  I am not contradicting anything I ever told you because if I had ever really loved anyone else I would have married them.  I say this with out conceit because I believe in the particular case I am thinking of.  In fact, I know that all I had to do, was ask.  I know that I am not the only returning man who is writing this because I have heard the fellows talk.  Besides, we have been reading magazines lately with a lot of stories about the stepping out of some of the wives.  That doesn’t worry me in the least because I believe in you.  However, I am not darn fool enough not to know that there are a lot better looking men with better prospects than I have who would certainly like to step into my shoes because I have a little queen and I know it.  Dear, one of your letters I have reread many times, has been an inspiration to me and has helped me keep up my courage when I was particularly blue.  Thanks a lot.  You deserve a break and I am going to try my best to make you a good husband.

(Missing page)

that when we did get it we gulped it down.  These are the only personal habits I can think of that I will make every effort to correct by the time I see you.  My personal appearance has changed some.  I am only older and had no facilities for taking care of myself.  Exercise was out of course because we had to use all the calories we did get from the food to keep alive on.  No one is very active on 1200 to 1600 calories per day and there were many days we got less then a 1000 calories.  My hair is somewhat thinner and of course my weight is down.  The loss is only temporary and within a couple of months I should be up to at least l65 pounds.  Being underfed over so long a period has caused a lot of us that also suffered from malaria to get what is vaguely referred to as a “rice gut.” Except for not being able to properly absorb the good food I am now eating.  I feel sure that when we can start taking regular exercise we will all be able to rebuild our stomach muscles.  Now don’t be frightened and think you have a sweetheart returning who will look like one of the pictures one often sees of the African native suffering from malnutrition.  I measured myself on the 27th of August: My chest was 33 inches, my waist was 27 inches.  Prewar measurements were chest 38 in, waist 32 inches.  Right now I weigh 140 pounds and my waist is 30 inches.  The only way I can increase my chest is to take plenty of exercise in the next few months.  We arrive in Manila in the morning.  All kinds of rumors are around as to how long we will be there.  Some think 48 hours, others 7 to 10 days.  We may fly back or we may come by boat.  I will write you definite news when I get there.  Sweet, I am sorry my letters are not more interesting but I have been like a dead person for so long that I don’t know what to write.  I certainly don’t feel like writing about the things that happened to me.  I am looking forward to being with you more than I ever dreamed I could want anything.  This time we will certainly be together all the time.  I feel as if I never want to let you out of my sight until I am convinced that we are really together again. 

I hope you have received my mail written in Yokohama and that I will soon have mail in Manila.  How have you liked working in a bank?  How is your mother and father?  I the young sister married?   Where is Bill?  How are the kids and Leo and the misses.  Tell me all, I am interested in anything that interests you. 

Dear, I hope you have the same philosophy of married life as I do.  I feel that you are closer to me than anyone else in all the world.  It is my duty to try and make the best living possible for us and at the same time get the most out of life.  I certainly have love in my heart for my mother and other relatives but it is a deep parental love.  For you are part of me and will be the mother of my children.  I may not be able to always be in the locality or part of the country where we would choose to be.  I would expect you to go with me wherever my work takes me.  Lots of young girls when they get married do not always realize that it means sometimes being parted from parents, friends of childhood etc.  I expect to be considerate of your wishes and will try with your help to make the decisions that will make us both the happiest.  I want to share things with you, tell you my plans, take you into my confidence, just be your husband, lover and partner.  I am still ambitious and although I realize that circumstances have altered my prospects, I don’t know why I shouldn’t make some sort of moderate success.  If we do have inflation and our money has been accumulating we should have a nice nest egg.  I am particularly well fixed as far as work is concerned.  If nothing turns up that is good I have a guarantee of a government job that holds good until 90 days after I am released from the service.

As I have written you before I was recommended for promotion in the P.L. before Bataan fell.  I had copies in my pockets when captured by the Nips.  I have no way of proving that I was recommended because Col. Daly my former C.O. at Clark Field was killed while coming to Japan.  It would mean 4000 to us if I could get it retroactive but without this extra we will certainly do very well for the next twelve months.  I have rehabilitation leave and accrued leave coming and if I decide to get out for good, terminal pay.  So I am not planning on doing much except take you wherever you want to go for awhile.

I may have to stay a while in San Francisco under observation, taking shots etc.  If I do, I would like you to stay close to hospital so we can be with each other everyday.  I have a lot of business to take care of and you could do a lot for me.

For Watsonville, I leave the details up to you.  If you think we should have an apartment or nice hotel room for a couple of weeks, do as you wish.  I must be near someplace though where I can take some form of exercise every day.  Dear, I just know I will be lazy and will want to stay around with you all the time.  But for the good of my future health you make me get out and exercise, better still, there may be a lot of games we can enjoy together.  Maybe you will need a little reducing.  Along with that marriage philosophy I think a man should try and keep himself in fairly good shape and a woman should certainly watch herself.  I am the kind of man that if I have the money will want my wife to wear the best and to have the figure to wear them.  We should have a lot of fun sweet, making a success out of marriage, perhaps a lot of my ideas are screwy.  They have been acquired from observation and what I have read and not from experience.

I just keep on writing and writing, saying a lot of stuff that there is no need to, I guess I am so elated at being able to write to you without having to count every word.

Dear, I will close now, bless you, and may I be with you soon.  Save me a tremendous hug and kiss.  Lovingly yours BJ

(Letter) September 23, 1945

Manila, P.L

Darling, I am leaving for home tomorrow morning.  Gee am I thrilled.  God, how I love you.  I should be raising cain with you though, I have never received a picture.  My best friend Lebart has loads of them.  Damn, I am tired of looking at other fellows wives and girlfriends.  I want so see what mine looks like.  You may think I look like some of the pictures you have seen in U.S.  Magazines, but I hope you will be agreeably surprised.  Some of my old enlisted men tell me I am getting to look like I did 4 year ago.  I still am 30 pounds short of my 175 pounds but if I can tip scales at 155 when I get back, will not be too bad.  Darling, how I love you and well, I am impatient.  I guess I will be home in 15 days from the date.  I must admit I am a little chunk tonight, a celebration is certainly justified.  Keep the home fires burning until your lovely daddy comes home.  I yearn for you so much it hurts.  Dear, I hope you love me as much.  If you don’t I’ll sure quiet you.  That is a threat.  I just have to have my love returned.  Built that way Love BJ P.S. I got my promotion, but don’t know whether it can be made retroactive.  Well, what do I care.  I will make plenty of dough for my baby and babies.  Love Basil

 (Newspaper Article) Unkown date 

Capt. Basil J. Gilbert Freed  From Jap Prison

Capt. Basil J. Gilbert, son of Mrs. Nancy Gilbert, of St Petersburg, Fla., formerly of Lexington, was released from a Japanese prison camp last month.  He arrived in San Francisco, Calif., Friday from Manila and called his mother long distance.  He told her he was in good health and would see her soon. 

An officer in the Air Forces, Captain Gilbert was taken prisoner on Bataan in April 1942.  He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and was employed at the First Nation Bank before entering the service.

(Letter) October 10, 1945 (Western Union)

Arrived FT Lewis will phone as soon as possible will tell you when and where you can meet me.  Capt. B J Gilbert.

(Newspaper Articles) December 7, 1945

14 BATAAN SURVIVERS LUXURIATE ON BEACH

Revel In Things They Yearned For 

As Prison Laborers Of Japanese

Fourteen former Japanese prisoners of war are celebrating today at Miami Beach ocean-front hotels the fourth anniversary of Pearl Harbor day, 1941, when they ducked Jap bombs at Clark and Nichols fields, Philippine islands.  

The ex-POWS, who survived the death march of Bataan and three and half years of slave labor in Japan, are Capts. Basil J. Gilbert, Watsonville, Cal.; Delbert P. Hessler, Kansas City, Mo.; and Genn E. Cave, Santa Ana, Cal.; S-Sgts. Alfred Galloway, Des Moines, Iowa; George W. Hess, Inglewood, Cal.; George D. Idlett, Snyder, Okla.; and Paul Goldberg, St. Louis; Cpls. Wesley C. Reed, Long Beach, Cal.; Norman Wiliams, Beulaville, N.C.; and Eugene W. Coxey, Dayton, Tenn.; T-Sgts. Anthony S. Czerwien, Chicago, and Mario Pozzani, Apollo, Pa.; M-Sgt. William L. Nabers, Desdemona, Texas, and First Lt. William W. Bird, Lake Park, Ga.

All of the repatriates say they are now enjoying at Miami Beach the things they dreamed about having while they slaved under the Japs.

"I get in the ocean as much as I can and I take several showers and a couple of hot tubs every day," said one.  "You see, I worked as a heaver on the docks near Yokohama.  Of course, I got pretty dirty.  Once a month, they would let me take a bath, but 600 other prisoners used the same tub, so it didn't do much good.  This is what I dreamed of - plenty of hot water and lots of soap."

"I just wanted to take it easy," said another, "I worked in a copper smelting plant in Japan, and what I like best about Miami Beach is no dust and no smoke.  I've been sleeping late, getting out of the on the beach a lot and soaking up the sunshine."

Another is concentrating on the orange juice.  "When I was a captive, there were orange trees just beyond the barbed wire of our compound," he explained.  " The oranges dropped to the ground just beyond our reach, but the guards wouldn't give us any.  

HONEYMOONERS. Capt. Basil J Gilbert (Center) liberated serval months ago after spending three and half years in prison camps in the Philippines and Japan, and his wife, Margaret (left), are enjoying ablated honeymoon at Miami Beach, Fla., as guests of the army air forces.  Married just before going overseas in late 1941, Capt. Gilbert is one of some 1500 air force personnel coming to this winter playground for two weeks of fun and rest at the Untied State's expense.  While he was a prisoner, his wife made her home at 42 Dolores Ave.  On the right is Mrs. Gilbert's sister Lucile Seibel.  (Official AAF photo)

**********

After the War, Basil pursued his interest of automotive business.   In 1946 he started, Gilbert & Seibel Motors, with his brother in-law Bill Seibel.  It was very prosperous business that gave them the opportunity pursue their true love, horse racing.  In 1962, Basil Jones and Bill Seibel purchased fifty percent of Portland Medows horse racing track in Portland Oregon.  Basil became the executive vice president from 1962 to the day he passed away in 1968.  

Comments below are Basil's.  Gil is short for Gilbert. 

Thank you for reading Basil's Story...