tore an old chimney down

New Caledonia
Mon. Aug 31, 1942



I got a break last night because I didn't have to pull guard & I caught up on my much needed sleep. This morning Wopick moved back to camp & Wynn (Ben) came up in his place. Last night we were supposed to have eaten supper up at "Blondie's". They had inviited us a few days ago, but Frank didn't want to go, so Nothern & I didn't go either. Instead, we fried some eggs. I think we will be paid this afternoon.


Tues. Sept. 1, 1942



Yesterday evening, just before chow, we rec'd our monthly pay. I drew $19.34 & $54 was put into the finance. I think I will make an allotment next month for $20. Nothern (Skull) & I missed the show truck last night by 2 minutes.

Wed. Sept. 2, 1942

Kruse & I pulled guard last night as usual I had No. 2 post & he had No. 1. We stayed together most of the night, however . Then we went down to wake the cook up at 4:00, call Bill at 6A.M., wake the bugler (Hoflinger) at 6:15, eat chow and come back to the corral. Schoffield is "roving" man this week.

Thurs. Sept. 3, 1942

I came in at 8 A.M. & went straight to bed and slept right through dinner until 4 P.M. I got up and shaved and prepared to go to the show at 4:30. After chow "Gig", Nothern, Mitko, Johnson, Wiesemmel & myself went to the show which was at the **9th Sta. Hosp. The pictures were "Sued for Libel" with Kent Layler. It was getting very interesting but half way through the picture, it rained & they called it off. They also had an Edgar Borgin comedy.

Fri. Sept 4, 1942

This evening, Frank Layman and myself went up to Blondie's. We had quite a time. We got a dozen eggs & came back & fried a few (78c a doz = 30 franc) Also we had some **** corn that "Skull" had gathered. "Bob" Scoffield is on guard with me tonight & Kruse is off.

Sat. Sept 5, 1942

This morning instead of going to bed (as I should) I went up & tore an old chimney down on one of the mountains to get some bricks to build our new fireplace with. I worked all morning carrying them down. We mixed some mud cement together so we could hold the bricks in place & also took an old coffee can & made a smokestack for it. After evening chow, mitko, Nothern & myself stayed down at base camp & as Johnson had 3 quarts of Rhine Rum, we drank some. Wiesmmel, Nothern, Mitko, Johnson & myself were dead drunk. Although I couldn't walk straight, I did manage to get Nothern back to the corral. I have vowed to never drink that stuff again & get in that condition. It tastes like novacaine.

Sun. Sept. 6, 1942

This morning I am surprised I am not sick. Nothern is very sick & he has to go on guard with Layman from 8 A.M. to 7 P. M. I told him I would take his place but he wouldn't let me.

___________________________________

This is Harry's War Diary

4 A.M. comes early when you're an army cook. and the bugler doesn't fare much better. A "roving" man was a guard that traveled around between posts throughout the night. Sometimes they called the positon a freelance or extra man.

I can only guess that the photographs with the men holding boards is a show of their gathering/harvesting. They liked to cut coconuts, fry eggs, and gather some kind of corn.

So, Harry was spared a hangover after the drinking binge, but it was still enough to swear him off rum forever.

my favorite crooner, my monthly ration

New Caledonia
Sat. Aug. 22, 1942

Today they brought more Solomon Casualties, some with arms off & some with legs off. I feel much better now.

Sun. Aug. 23, 1942

This morning I would have went to church, if I hadn't been so weak. They hold services right here at the hosp. I saw Corp. Charlie Wilkes, Shady DeRoberts & Weismmel. I didn't know they were in the hospital. The Capt. said I could have a regular meal today. Tonight, Weismmel & I went to the show right here at the hosp. It's shown in the open & the field (adjoining the hosp. grounds) has some beautiful palm trees around it. The first show was one of my favorite crooners & one that I had seen 3 or 4 years ago. The name of the picture was "Double or Nothing" with Bing Crosby, Mary Carlisle, Andy Devine & Martten Raye. The second picture was "Bachelor Mother" with Ginger Rogers & David Niven. "Ginger" is sure a swell grand actress.

Mon. Aug. 24, 1942

I am okay today & the doctor let me go & get my "chow" at the kitchen. Wisemmel's ears are about well, so I guess we will be going back to camp in a couple of days.

Tues. Aug. 25, 1942

This morning I shaved, etc right after chow & then spent the A.M. over in Ward 5 with Frank Wisemmel. Incidentally, my nurse here is a "Rebel" also, she is from New Orleans, Louisiana.

Wed. Aug. 26, 1942

This morning my throat is completely well & the doctor said I could go back to camp tomorrow. Went over to Wiesmmel's tent & played a little Black Jack. I won $2

Thurs. Aug. 27, 1942

This morning I came back to camp. While I was in the hospital Corp. Jack Robinson had his tent burnt down & all of them lost their personal belongings, including Shady DeRoberts footlocker. Rec'd my monthly ration when I came back which consisted of 1 ctg cigarettes, 3 cigars, 1 cake of soap, 5 Gillette blue blades & a toothbrush.

Fri. Aug. 28, 1942

Today I received a V-mail from Mother dated in Nashville on Aug. 11 & they rec'd it in Australia on Aug. 21. Ten days, which is pretty quick time. I also rec'd a letter from Marjorie dated Feb 1.

_______________________________

This is Harry's War Diary

Classic photograph of Harry with his brownie; and a candid shot of a flooded latrine (?)

You have to have known Harry to understand the wording "Robinson had his tent burnt down". It doesn't mean the fellow took a match to it; just the opposite. This was Harry's way to say that the tent burning down was a misfortune that happened to the fellow.

At the end of August on Guadalcanal, the Marines have completed construction at Henderson Field and it is now operational. The Americans are now able to launch attacks on the Japanese supply ships that have been landing reinforcements and food. The seas around the Solomon Islands are littered with disabled vessels from both sides of the battle.

got away from me

New Caledonia
Sat. Aug. 15, 1942

Sgt. Austinger gave us $5 to build him a corral for his "wild horse" that he is going to break in. So Kruse, Johnson, Danny & myself started on it at 1 P.M.. By 6P.M. we had it completed. After this, we drank some wine that Wopick had & we got to feeling pretty good.


Sun. Aug. 16, 1942

Johnson & I went on from 8A.M. to 4 P.M. this morning & we have to go on again at 12 P.M. "Jim" got away from me this morning. I left him alone to graze while I answered the phone. He came straight to the corral. Took him right back out tonight after chow. Lt. Irwin gave Kruse, Nothern, Layman & myself regular guard duty. Johnson & Isham didn't want it. He said he would send 3 more up in the morning.

Mon. Aug. 17, 1942

Today Nothern, Layman, Kruse, Mike & myself also Scoffield (veterarian) moved all our things up to the corral to begin our "regular guard" duty. Gigenheimer "Gig" will move up tomorrow, he is on K.P. today.

Tues. Aug 18, 1942

There were 3 Marine Officers in for chow this afternoon who had seen some action in the Solomon Battle. I came off guard at 8 A.M. feeling pretty bad & was sleepy but could not sleep.




Wed. Aug. 19, 1942

Scoffield took my place on guard tonight because I was so weak I could hardly move. I did't go to chow yesterday afternoon or last night. I'm trying my best to keep from going to the hospital. After they had been "daring" to take me down to the GI Hospital, where they said I had acute tonsilitis (which I knew). I was put in Ward **** after patients who had Yellow Jaundice & everything else. The hosp. is pretty full here because of the Navy & Marine casualties brought in from Guadalcanal.


Thurs. Aug. 20, 1942

Today my condition is no better. I still have a 102 degree temperature.


Fri. Aug. 21, 1942

Today my condition is a little better. The nurse gave me a bath this morning. The Marines & sailors left out this morning headed for Hawaii & then back to the States. Most of them seemed to be crippled in the legs from "flying scrapnel"


______________________________



Harry's War Diary


Harry M. Haslam (1919 - 2007)

"Jim" was one of the horses that Harry was assigned to keep. Keeping the livestock ready for work was an additional duty to their Ammo depot responsibilites. The horses were vital in the movement of heavy loads, and the men become very attached to them.

August 19th (12 days after the Marines attacked Guadalcanal) the Japanese landed 900 troops for a bold offensive to re-take Henderson Field. 800 Japs were killed, 34 American casualites. Harry was in a hospital for fever and witnessed the flow of combat injuries.

For every combat casuality, there were 5 soldiers struck by malaria. Harry's case is complicated by his chronic infection, and he suffers through bouts of fever.

the horses came in

New Caledonia

Fri. Aug. 7, 1942

I worked with Jack Robinsons's gang today unloading "Ordinance trucks" & heard today the Corp. Bill Williamson will be the corporal at the corral & that Harry's **** will be the stable boys. Went out and visited Frank Layman awhile & then went to the beach. I am reading a book tonight called "Pacific Treasure Island" and it is dedicated to the people of New Caledonia.


Sun. Aug. 9, 1942



Today we had a day off. Bill Williamson moved out of our tent today. He might be up at the corral. This afternoon, the horses came in. 16 of them & the fellows in Brown's Section walked them all the way from Noumea.



Mon. Aug. 10, 1942



This morning we had rifle inspection & I passed mine okay. Kruse, Johnson, Layman, Nothern, Isham & myself were picked for guard duty for a week. Starting at 8 A.M. this morning. Since we all have ridden horses a little, we were picked first, so that we could break them in. Due to the fact that we had 6 horses; 5 saddles & no bits, we had to pull it on foot. The bits did, however, come in later this morning. Frank & myself cleaned up two of them


Tues. Aug. 11, 1942


This morning after chow, we moved up to the corral. Sgt. Danny Greenstein moved up with us. We went out and combed and brushed the horses. After we were through brushing them, we were instructed on how to saddle them the Army Way. After this, we took them for a ride in the No. 4 Area. Their names are:



Jim (Harry & "Gig")

Duke (Johnson & Harry)

Mae West; mare (Isham & Nothern)

Nick (Nothern & Wynn)

Babe; mare (Layman)

Joe (Kruse)

Johnson's horse, Mae, came running back to the corral as fast as she could. Johnson had gone to get off and he hit her in the head with the butt of his rifle.



Wed. Aug. 12, 1942


This morning we were all assigned to pull 8 hrs. of guard duty again. Johnson & I are on 8 A.M. to 4 P. M. Rec'd 4 letters from home today. Two from mother & one from Evelyn Hailey. I am not even going to answer it.



Thurs. Aug. 13, 1942


I was on Post 2 last night which included from the camp across the bridge into No. 4 Area. We had planes installed in the area & have to call up every 2 hrs. I called David at 7 P. M. and again at 2 minutes to 9. I lost two more dollars in a Black Jack game awhile ago which brings my total to $19 in two days. I lost $14 yesterday. Later, I also lost my other $6 and then borrowed 10 more from Johnson, who now has around $100. They brought 4 bags of mail this evening, and believe it or not, I recieved 14 of them. There were 9 from mother & dad - 1 from sister, 2 from Marjorie & 2 from Evelyn Hailey.





______________________



This is Harry's Way Diary. He was 22 years old at the time of these entries, and serving in the Pacific Theater of WWII.

The day the horses arrived was a special day for these fellows. They took over the care of these horses and mules, which were used in heavy labor on a daily basis. The horses were able to move bulky loads in the steep terrain of the island, where the men and trucks could not.

August 7th was D Day at Guadalcanal. 19,000 Marines land on Guadalcanal with their objective to take over an airfield under construction. Rough fighting would continue for 4 months as the Japanese moved ships and troops in to counterattack repeatedly. On nearby Tulagi the Japanese HQ was been attacked simultaneously by U.S. Marines.

Harry will be sent to Tulagi and to Guadalcanal within the next 10 weeks (from this entry).

5 quarts of rum

New Caledonia
August 1942



Had to work in the mud up to our ankles. I worked with Bill Brown's Section will pull guard tonight. Last night I was drunk for the first time on the island & so was Weismmel, Dobek & Johnson. We drank around 5 quarts of Rum.

.



Mon, August 3, 1942

Today we moved all the tents about a mile from the mess hall. Tonight I am going up to "Blondie's" with Frank Layman to get my laundry. She is getting more friendly all the time. Her mother gave me a doz. eggs, which over here are very scarce. She showed us where the dog had bitten her.

Tues. Aug. 4, 1942

Today we worked most all day in the drizzling rain. Had a little argument with Sgt. Baronsby this morning. Worked with Robbie's gang up at the corral. I am on guard tonight from 10 to 2 on Post 2.

Wed. Aug 5, 1942 Recieved another letter last night dated on Feb. 21. It made me very happy, even if it was 5 months old.

Thurs. Aug. 6, 1942 Today we were paid. I rec'd $71.89 and I put $30 of it back into the finance.






________________________



This is Harry's War Diary.

Harry M. Haslam (1919 - 2007) was my father-in-law and we hope these postings will honor his contributions and sacrifices.

I'm left wondering if the $71.89 was for a month's wages?

When Harry called someone friendly...that was a good thing. He was comfortable around them, and wanted their company. Those who knew Harry well, remember his extroverted personality and quick humor.

catch a ride

New Caledonia

July 1942



They are unloading torpedo shells and mules down at the docks, so there is no ammo coming in. There were 3,000 Marines that came in today. This morning at 11 o'clock the fellows shot a deer at the edge of the woods. Last night "Gig" & I slipped out of camp and tried to catch a ride into town, but to no avail. We walked as fas as the airport and back, which is about 2 miles each way. The Infantry Patrol from Camp Edwards, Mass. is on the stage in Noumea.

Mon. July 13, 1942

This morning I went to town in the "Jeep" with St. Irwin to see the Air Force Surgeon about my glasses. Was talking to Capt. Wisler in base camp & he said he didn't see how we could win this war (the ape ball). Imagine, a Co. Commander.



Tues. July 14, 1942

Today is "Bastile Day" here in New Caledonia & all the French soldiers and natives have the day off. There's a rumor going around that we may go to Noumea. They estimated there is between 20 & 30,000 troops on the island now. Up to now called the "Battle of the Coral Sea" is the most significant. The island is now being used for "supply base".



Wed. July 15, 1942

I was happiest today because I recieved a letter from Marjorie dated June 10 and another dated later said that mother had mailed for Pretty Barbara & Jack.



**** several entries and pages are lost here****





____________________________________



This is Harry's War Diary. Great care is taken to preserve the writing style, so it appears here just as it was written 66 years ago. Harry M. Haslam (1919 - 2007) was my father in law.

It seems being called an 'ape ball' is quite an insult and Harry reserves that slight for a commander that shared doubts about the outcome of the war.

Jody & I have decided to share this diary with my blog readers in the month of November to honor Harry's service during WWII. I will continue to post 1-2 diary entries a month until we've covered most of the 3 1/2 years that Harry was in the Army.

Good!

New Caledonia
July 1942


This morning at 3 A.M. we had an air raid and had to use our gas masks. I was with Joe Fredericks. All the boats in the docks at Noumea have pulled away and put in the harbor. I understand they got the mail off first, however the Japs were sighted off our coast at 10 P.M. The firing lasted until dawn.



Tues, July 7, 1942

We built roads again today across the creek. I think we should be in the construction crew instead of the Ordinance. At 3 o'clock another shipment of 25 pounders came in.


Wed. July 8, 1942

Worked on the road again today. At 2 P.M. an issue came in for the 20th Coast Artillery for 37,000 shells. Last night "Gig" & I went to the show in Noumea to see "Frontier Marshal" with Randolph Scott & Nancy Kelly. I talked to a soldier there who was with the 32nd Artillery and he was also stationed at Camp Forrest & he was from Illinois.


Thursday, July 10, 1942

Today we are still unloading ammo. Most of them are 15 pound smoke shells. Today is my darling Marjorie's birthday. Good! but I wish I had something to send her.


Fri. July 11, 1942

Today we unloaded 37 **** gun shells for Anti-Aircraft guns. Last night, "Gig". Robertson, Dobek & Myself went to the show in Noumea to see "Design for Scandal" They also had a swell stage show with some comedians who have been on Broadway but who are now serving "overseas" with us. "Creamy" of the 51st also gave a performance. They had an orchestra that played "Glenn Miller" type of music also. Their "Moonlight Cock-tail" sounded just like Glenn. Have the radio back now, so I will close & go & listen to the news from the station K.G.E.I. in San Fransisco in the Fairmont Hotel. They always say "This is the United States of America" and boy does that sound good.

_____________________________


This is Harry's War Diary. When the handwritten words can't be read, I have replaced them with **** The photo here is of two men at the ammo depot.


It seems Harry made a mistake when dating the entries because it skips July 9th. When he writes about his sweetheart, he refers to her as "my Darling Marjorie" and his use of an exclamation point (after "Good") is the only time he has used that punctuation!

the bulls eye

Solomon Islands
June 29, 1942

Today is an off day. Gig received 4 letters from home today. As yet, I haven't recieved any.

Tues. June 30, 1942

Today we took a trip to Noumea with the rifle **** but didn't get to use it, because the artillery was using it. Last night I saw "Call Out the Marines" with Vivian Mc Laglen & Edmund Lowe. Was really good but like all service pictures was mostly for infantry staff. Today is pay-day here and don't think any of the "G.I."s have been paid.



Wed. July 1, 1942

Today I was paid for the first time. "Gig" & I went to "Blondies" tonight. ****

Thurs. July 2, 1942

Today we went on the rifle-range in Noumea. This was the first time I had ever been on a rifle range. Had been on the basic range in Aberdeen. I didn't score assigned hit with the 1902 Springfield rifle, although I had a good score with the Grummans (8 shots) including the bulls eye. I also got 31 with the Tommy Gun. Arrived back in camp around 3 o'clock, cleaned our rifles & took a bath.



Friday, July 3, 1942

Today the ammo started coming in again, so I guess our little vacation is over for awhile.


Saturday, July 4, 1942

We unloaded more of the ammo today. They sent 7 flat cars of 18 pounders from the docks. Capt. Fredericks, Nobleman, Dobek & myself unloaded them. "Gig" & Jack Stuart were made P.F.C's today.


Sunday, July 5, 1942


We're unloading 25 pounders & 18 pounders today, which were made in Australia. I worked with Bill today. Heard today that we lost 4 battleships off the Hawaiian coast and that Guadalcanal fell. Nothing but bad news for the past month. I can't stand the navy British sometimes. They are not showing me a thing. I am smoking my new pipe today.

_________________________________



This is Harry's War Diary.

When parts of the handwriiten journal are illegible, I have replaced it with *****


Harry Haslam (1919 - 2007) was my husband's father and Harry served in WWII in New Caledonia and Guadalcanal. Jody & I are sharing this diary in memory of "Daddy"


Most of Harry's entries record his guard duty, his movie schedule, and his work at the ammo depot. The remarks about 'nothing but bad news' and 'they are not showing me a thing' are very much in character for Harry.

Chico the deer

New Caledonia
June, 1942

Most of the fellows went into Pieta this morning to have their teeth examined. The rest of us go Wed. Spent most of the morning camoflauging the shells in No. 1 Area. "Gig" & I sprayed the brown paint & Wiesimmel & Ricco sprayed the green. This evening we hauled rocks for the new depot. I am not on guard tonight, though "Gig", Wiesimmel & Dobek are.

Tues. June 23, 1942

Today we have another day off, since we pulled guard last night. Heard this morning that Libya fell & that the Germans made a new advance on the Russians. This evening, just before dark, they arrested the little French boy again (16 yrs. old) It seems he stole a wallet. He is "Blondies" brother. They caught him down by the creek. I think I will go to the show in Noumea.

Wed. Jun 24, 1942

We all went to have our teeth examined at the American Hospital in Pieta. Mine was +2 which means I have to have a cavity filled. Last night, I saw "Dark Victory" with Bette Davis & George Brent. This evening I had scalding water (coffee) poured on my head when I accidentally ran into Bill Williamson at chow. "Gig" recieved a letter from his girl today & she said she was going to become and Army Nurse and "Gig" is very upset about it. Her name is Eleanor.

Thurs. June 25, 1942

Today we are building roads for the new depot again. Dobek & I worked on the truck. I am on guard tonight with Rakitka, Johnson & Nothern from 10 to 2 on Post 2.

Friday June 26, 1942

We have another day off due to the fact that we pulled guard duty last night. We camoflauged our tents the other day with green & brown paint.

Sat. June 27, 1942

We're still building roads again today. "Chico" the deer won't hardly eat anything since Tony Natashi went up to Bulla Paree.



Sun. June 28, 1942

Today the whole camp had an off day. Had rifle inspection this morning. I got "Gigged" for mine because it was pitted. Lt. Irwin is going to inspect them again at 4:30. Thornton & Bill helped me clean my gun this morning. Gig also got stuck for his Tommy-gun. Played the Air Corps a game today & won both games 9 to 2 & 10 to 8. Bob McMann played second base for the Air Corps. The "Air Cobras" are equipped with 7 guns ( 4 0 30 caliber mcahine guns, 2 - 50 caliber & 1 - 20 inch cannon)


___________________

This is Harry's War Diary. These entries represent one week in Harry's journal during his service in The Solomon Islands during WWII. Their camp was located near Dumbea, but they often went to Noumea for the movies.

When Harry says he had scalding coffee poured on his head, he means that it was a mishap. Of this, I am sure.

Are we to gather from this that they had a pet deer? Yes. there was a photo of a deer taken with Harry's brownie camera.

Blondie was a local lady that took care of their laundry. As the diary continues, you will find out that Blondies farm was one of the few places they could go to get away from camp.