RUTH HASSELL GRIFFARD
WRITES FROM AFRICA
Mr. and Mrs. O. L. Hassell of Flat River have received the following letter from
their daughter, Ruth Hassell Griffard, formerly a nurse at Barnes Hospital, but who
enlisted last summer and is now stationed in North Africa. She and Miss Edna Hasse, former
Flat River school nurse, are with the same medical unit.
Somewhere in N.W. Africa
December 25th, 1942
Dear Mom and Dad:
Christmas day in Africa -- how about this? We all
were a pretty homesick bunch today, but that is natural under the circumstances. Last
night both the Protestant and Catholic Chaplains conducted Midnight services. They were
impressive, what with the carols, etc.
Today we had a Christmas party for the French
children of the vicinity -- they seemed to enjoy it much. We gave them some candy and a
few odds and ends that we had.
We are rapidly getting set up. There is much work
required to get a hospital ready for patients. I worked eight hours yesterday taking care
of the members of our unit who are ill. We had one fellow who was pretty sick with
pneumonia.
All day we talked about the good food the people at
home would be having and almost knocked ourselves out. Our dinner menu consisted of
cheese, spaghetti, peas and carrots, and cocoa. No turkey over here. When I think of those
good pies and cakes we used to have, my mouth starts watering.
We have excellent facilities for bathing at this
place and that means a lot to us, for there have been times that we went without a bath
for a week.
We are having classes in French and I have joined
it -- can say a few things already.
These North African nights are cold and until the
last couple nights my feet nearly froze. We got beds instead of cots and that makes a big
difference. We have no heat in our building.
Last night we heard the news from the States and
after the broadcast they played the Star Spangled Banner. We all cried a bit. Those of us
in the war zone know less about what is going on than anyone, believe it or not.
Write and tell me what kind of Christmas David and
all of you had. Don't think you'll make me feel bad because that's the kind of life we're
coming back to, and just want to be sure its still there.
We all are much happier since we are actually
getting settled. It sort of looks like we're in for a long war, but hope not.
Our mail is not coming in so well, here -- as it
did in England. I cabled you the other day, but am still wondering if you received it. I
also cabled you from England.
Write often. My best to everyone.
Love,
Ruth.
Published by the LEAD BELT NEWS, Flat River, St. Francois Co. MO, Fri.,
February 5, 1943.
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