1
10
80
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
January 27, 1945
Description
An account of the resource
A Valentine card with hand-drawn illustration sent by Johnny to Geraldine
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-01-27
-
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
April 23, 1945
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-04-23
-
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Photographs
Description
An account of the resource
During his time in the army, Johnny took many photographs and sent them to Geraldine. Some of the photos have survived, and are included in this collection.
Photograph
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-01-20
Description
An account of the resource
Although unmarked, this photograph presumably captures John C. Waller in military uniform. For verification, see the other photographs in which he has labelled himself.
Title
A name given to the resource
John C. Waller Portrait
GI
johnny
uniform
-
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Photographs
Description
An account of the resource
During his time in the army, Johnny took many photographs and sent them to Geraldine. Some of the photos have survived, and are included in this collection.
Photograph
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944
Description
An account of the resource
Taken in 1944, the photograph shows a number of storefronts along the Promenade in Blackpool. Most notable is Louis Tussaud's Waxwork Museum, which is still open today.
Title
A name given to the resource
Promenade, Blackpool
arcade
carriage
pedestrian
The Bee
Tussaud's
women
-
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Photographs
Description
An account of the resource
During his time in the army, Johnny took many photographs and sent them to Geraldine. Some of the photos have survived, and are included in this collection.
Photograph
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944
Description
An account of the resource
Taken in 1944, the photograph shows beachgoers next to the Central Pier at Blackpool. A banner on the pier advertises a show called "Highlights of 1944" and lists the featured performers.
Title
A name given to the resource
Central Pier, Blackpool
bathing
beach
Blackpool
pedestrian
pier
-
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Photographs
Description
An account of the resource
During his time in the army, Johnny took many photographs and sent them to Geraldine. Some of the photos have survived, and are included in this collection.
Photograph
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1943-1945
Description
An account of the resource
A photograph of Parliament Square, St. Margaret's Church, and Westminster Abbey taken by Waller on a date unknown. Two cars and three people are visible in the foreground.
Title
A name given to the resource
Westminster Abbey
car
church
pedestrian
westminster
-
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Photographs
Description
An account of the resource
During his time in the army, Johnny took many photographs and sent them to Geraldine. Some of the photos have survived, and are included in this collection.
Photograph
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1943-1945
Description
An account of the resource
During his deployment in England, John C. Waller photographed Elizabeth Tower (aka "Big Ben") at the Palace of Westminster, also known as Houses of Parliament. According to the clock face visible in the photograph, it was taken about 3 minutes after 3:00 o'clock PM. Waller sent the photograph to Geraldine Rowbottom sometime between 1944 and 1945.
Title
A name given to the resource
Elizabeth Tower at Westminster Parliament Buildings
Big Ben
car
clock
westminster
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
May 16, 1945
6:30 PM
Diary of trip from Avonmouth - New York City on HMS Atlantis.
Dearest Gerrie,
Here I am on my way. We left the hospital early this morning and came by hospital train here to the boat. It's a limey hospital ship, however, despite this it's quite nice. Yanks don't like British ships because the food isn't as good as we're used to. I'd be satisfied with an outboard motor boat. To get back on the subject, this is a fair sized passenger ship. I'm in a ward on B deck. Everything is neat & clean with a few bouquets of flowers here and there. There are three rows of single beds running the length of the ward. This is some different from our accommodations coming over when the beds were just canvas stretched on a steel frame and these were stacked five high. There's plenty of light and air in here so I think I'll be able to combat sea-sickness. I hope.
7 P.M.
17th
We left about noon to-day. It's cloudy but clear. Struck open sea around five o'clock - already beginning to pitch a bit. The fellow in the bed next to me is feeling slightly bad already. I'm OK so far. Food passable. Most of the guys are hungry. Getting foggy.
18th
To-day is fair. Last nite you could almost cut the fog with an axe. Travelled at reduced speed with siren sounding continuously. Smooth sailing.
19th
Cloudy. We're bucking a heavy swell to-day and the ship is creaking all over. Wish they'd put wings on this tub and land us in New York to-nite. Announced over speaker system to tie everything down as it's going to be a very rough night. The sister is already administering balm for sorely troubled stomachs. Hope I won't need any.
Sun
20th
We really had a rough night Gerrie. The ship did about everything but stand on end. Yours truly is a little dizzy - otherwise alright. Very thankful I'm not in the navy. Looks like we'll have another rough night. Can't say more.
21st
It's very calm to-day and warm. I have an idea we're in the Gulf Stream. Spent most of the day playing cards with another guy on my bed. Read a little.
22nd
Beautiful day. This afternoon went on deck in a wheelchair. Sat at very stern of ship - sea calm as a mill pond. Very warm as we're on very southern route.
23rd
Still clear, sunny, sea calm. Went via wheelchair and elevator to movie in the lounge. Frank Sinatra in Higher & Higher. Didn't think much of picture, admired Michel Morgan's shape. To-night there is a warm breeze coming through the ports. Moon almost full - throws a silver path over the almost placid sea. Quite romantic! Dark here shortly after eight o'clock. Remember in the U.K. it was light until ten-thirty when we left.
24th
Another beautiful day. Spent part of afternoon on deck again. Was dark before eight o'clock to-night. Clear moon shining in cloudless sky, same silver path across the dark waters, same romantic setting but no romance. A shame I calls it!
25th
Ditto on the day. Lay around reading mostly. Thought ocean was calm before but to-day beat all - it was like a film of oil. Slight breeze to-night, very warm. We're near Bermuda. They're taking a long southern route thinking the cruise in warm weather will do us good - so the sister tells us. Those who can walk are acquiring a nice tan up on deck. Must be close to 100° right now. Dark at 7:30 P.M.
26th
Uneventful, same as above applies. About two hundred miles from Bermuda now. Will pass below southern tip in morning, then follow coast north. Too warm for comfort.
Sun
27th
Spent morning reading on deck. Slight chop on sea. Saw movie 'Lost in a Harem' with Abbott & Costello this afternoon. Wonderful weather - blue sky and sunny. Will here acknowledge that this trip - so unlike our voyage over - has changed my mind about your trip to England. I'm enjoying this trip even though I can only get around in wheelchair. Sure you would get the thrill of your life going over on a regular passenger ship and now I'm away from the U.K. will confess it was very picturesque country with many extremely interesting things to see. Seeing other lands and the way the people live, broadens your outlook on life, not to mention the thrill you get from seeing all these strange places you've seen before in pictures and the movies. So, I heartily endorse your plan as the best possible thing you could do. Long live the king - amen!
28th
Blue skies again. Spent morning reading on deck in chair - fact read all day. No moon to-night - plenty of stars. Invigorating breeze coming through ports. Very nice after sultry heat of the last few days. Light until 8:15 P.M. now.
29th
Rain this morning clearing before noon. Afternoon, blue skies and sunshine. Very cool breeze now. We anchor outside harbor of New York around nine o'clock to-night, proceeding in to unload in the morning. Time 5 P.M. More later We're in! 9 P.M. Can't describe the feeling, can't attempt to but it's the most wonderful one imaginable.
30th
Disembarked at nine this morning but not before a boatload of Wacs & just plain curvesome cuties came aboard to welcome us with cigs, candy, magazines, papers and a big - well I guess I can leave that part out. Now at Hallorhan Gen. Hosp. on Staten Island for a stay of not more than five days. We're being treated more or less like kings.
Well that's that, I'm home again - for awhile anyhow - and very thankful indeed. Hard to believe I'm really here. Only one thing keeps everything from being the completion of a dream or is a fly in the ointment or whatever you want to call it - that is something the Major told me just before I left Eng and it will affect both of us I'm afraid. I won't go into detail now because I want to find out first what the MD at the new hosp. I'm going to will have to say. Perhaps Maj. Strong was wrong I hope. Don't mention this to anyone Gerrie, as you're the only one who knows and I don't want it to get around. Wouldn't tell you only I figure you have a right to know.
I hope you've been looking after yourself while I've been on my way. I thought about you often on the trip over - did your nose itch? Take care of yourself.
All my love,
Johnny
P.S. Arrived here to-day. Couldn't mail letter before for lack of a stamp. O.K. to write to this address. More later.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-05-16
Title
A name given to the resource
May 16, 1945
-
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
May 12, 1945
Saturday Eve
Dearest Gerrie,
I received to-day, my second letter from you this week. Thanks little one for the two enclosed snaps. Perhaps you've forgotten about them as the letter was written on April 3rd. One is taken with Marge, leaning against a cement wall on the beach; the other is with Marjorie - the two of you on bikes - remember now?
I can see by this picture that the nurses and the rest of us misjudged Margaret's age. I apologize, but that other snap was very misleading. Of the two I prefer your friend Marjorie. You just had a birthday party for her recently as I recall. She looks like a very nice young lady.
You ask for criticism of the two snaps you enclosed. There's not much I can say. You look your usual pretty self, Margaret is in focus and Marj looks O.K. too. If I had taken the pictures - ahem - the one with you & Marge would have been taken holding the camera vertically and closer to the subjects. Also I don't like shots from directly in front all the time and forcing a smile is strictly out! The same applies to the other snap, although I couldn't judge it very well, cut off at your waists like it was. That beats me hon - you girls must have ridden those bikes all through town, so any Tom, Dick, or Harry could see you, yet you are too modest to send a view of yourself - which all these other guys have seen - to me, intact. I can't figure it out. It just occurred to me that maybe you aren't on bikes, but even so that doesn't make much different. Come clean little one. P.S. I think you look as sweet as ever. Oh yes, the nurse says you look very pretty and very happy - (you & Marjorie on bikes)
Well, this will be a short letter to-nite Gerrie for there is no news. I passed the day working on a small snapshot album for the Red Cross girl. They are having a display in London, of things made by patients in hospitals, later it will be permanently put up in Washington, D.C. I'm not much in the mood for the job, however, I figure that I owe her something for all the material she has supplied me for making the items you know about. I expect to have it completed to-morrow. Your little change purse is still not done. All it lacks is a lining. This, I haven't been able to obtain so far. I hope soon I'll be able to complete it.
It's a beautiful evening here again. It's so long since I left the U.S. that it's hard to visualise how an evening there would be. I envy the fellows back home who can walk, talk and dance with all you pretty girls.
Now hon, I will conclude for this evening, hoping you are well and taking good care of yourself for me. Say hello to your mom for me.
Living for the moments I'll be spending hon, with you, I remain always,
With all my love,
Your
Johnny
P.S. Hope you don't think I was angry about the cut-off snap. I was just teasing you a bit, little one. Love you.
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-05-12
Title
A name given to the resource
May 12, 1945
-
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
May 11, 1945
My darling Gerrie,
Another day hon - it's so warm that I'm almost uncomfortable lying here with only pajamas on and all the windows open. Just like last year, when we were on our way over at this time, it was warm. It wasn't long before the usual limey weather set in though. Enough talk about the weather.
The movie I told you we were going to have yesterday afternoon turned out to be a twenty-minute entertainment by three limeys - two were singers, the other a cartoonist under the sponsorship of the American Red Cross. You know what I think of Lawrence Tibet singing 'Don't Fence Me In,' well this was almost as bad. Wonder if I'm prejudiced - if so, the majority of the fellows are too. Sure hope you change your mind about those travels of yours hon, but don't let me influence you. It's really funny the way my mother feels since she became a U.S. citizen. The oldest southern democrats don't feel any more strongly about the U.S. than she does. She's a real Yankee now, which I hope you will be before long. I've talked to many Canucks since coming over. They discourse long and loud about the limeys, believe it or not. I've gone over all this before so I guess I better shut up - I still the the U.S. with Canada second, is the best country to live in though. How did I ever get on this subject anyhow? What it boils down to is the fact, that I don't want to get home and have you then go off to another part of the globe. Selfish character, aren't I, but it just doesn't seem to fit into the scheme of things. Maybe I'm wrong, anyway I'm not home yet. Perhaps you'll be gone and back before then. Please don't go this year. I have a reason for making this request hon.
There hasn't been much doing here this week - you'll probably say that's not unusual after the newsless letters I've been writing. This condition tends to make us all do more smoking than we otherwise would do. It helps pass the time. The major made me stop the first couple weeks I was in here because of the strep throat, but since then I haven't been restricted since it's been O.K. Time really dragged for that period.
How do you like the song Do You Ever Dream of To-morrow? That fits me to a T and you too, I think. I'm always planning our to-morrow honey. May we soon be able to incorporate our plans into one is my daily prayer. When it is fulfilled and we have our own little home - coming home to you each nite will make me feel like little children do when they see the strange shaped parcels under the tree on Xmas morning - the wonder in their eyes will reflect in mine - wonder that such a lovely, sweet girl is my wife, to have and hold until the last goodbye.
Well hon, I hope you are feeling alright again - please, no more low morale and take special care of my future wife for me till the day when I can, with a happy heart, do the job myself.
All my love to you darling,
Always,
Your
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-05-11
Title
A name given to the resource
May 11, 1945