In this letter, Bill talks about the time it takes for mail delivery, the library he is accumulating, and the entertainment, both films and live.
Bill had previously signed up for university correspondence courses offered through the University of California. Prior to enlisting, he had been studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Toronto. One of his regrets, and why he thought joining was a bad decision, was that in the army he wasn’t learning anything, which was the reason he enrolled in a correspondence program. Yet, he does contradict himself on this point of learning several times.
In this letter he makes reference to “V-Mail” or “Victory Mail” (see V-Mail below).
V-Mail
Victory Mail, commonly known as V-Mail, was an important communication system used during World War II. It was introduced in June 1942 as a collaboration between the Post Office, War Department, and Navy Department[2]. Its primary purpose was to reduce the volume and weight of mail being transported between soldiers overseas and their families at home, thus freeing up valuable cargo space for war materials[1][2].
Process
- Writing: Letters were written on special V-Mail forms, which were available for free at post offices or could be purchased in kits[2].
- Microfilming: The letters were photographed onto 16mm or 35mm microfilm at V-Mail laboratories[2].
- Transportation: The microfilm rolls were shipped overseas, taking up significantly less space than original letters[1].
- Reproduction: At the destination, the letters were re-enlarged and printed at about half the original size (5.5 x 4.5 inches)[2].
Advantages
- Space and Weight Reduction: 150,000 letters that would normally require 37 mail bags and weigh 2,575 pounds could be condensed into one bag weighing only 45 pounds[1][2].
- Security: V-Mail was considered more secure as it deterred the use of invisible ink, microdots, and microprinting[5].
- Speed: V-Mail was usually delivered in about twelve days or less, compared to a month or more for standard mail[1].
- Reliability: Each V-Mail form had a serial number, allowing for reprints if necessary[1].
Limitations
- Limited Space: Letters had to be short due to the restricted writing area on the form[3].
- No Enclosures: The system did not allow for including additional items with the letter[3].
- Loss of Personal Touch: Scents like perfume could not be transmitted, and lipstick prints interfered with the scanning machines[3].
Usage and Impact
Between June 1942 and April 1945, over one billion V-Mail letters were exchanged between military personnel and their families[2]. Despite its efficiency, many people still preferred regular first-class mail. For example, in 1944, Navy personnel received 38 million pieces of V-Mail but over 272 million pieces of regular first-class mail[4].
V-Mail played a crucial role in maintaining morale and communication during World War II, demonstrating how technological innovation can address logistical challenges in wartime.
Citations:
[1] WWII: The History of V-Mail
[2] World War II: Victory Mail (V-Mail)
[3] Victory Mail in World War II
[4] V-Mail
[5] V-Mail
Correspondence Courses
During World War II, universities in Canada and the United States offered correspondence courses to servicemen as part of broader educational initiatives for military personnel.
The armed forces, in partnership with universities, established correspondence course programs to provide educational opportunities to servicemen during the war. These programs aimed to help soldiers continue their education while serving and prepare them for civilian life after the war.
- Wide Range of Subjects: Courses were offered in various subjects including liberal arts, business, sciences, and technical fields[4].
- Flexibility: The courses were designed to accommodate the challenging circumstances of wartime service. For soldiers stationed overseas, many courses were converted to a self-study format[4].
- College Credit: Successful completion of courses could earn soldiers college credits applicable towards degrees[4].
United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI)
- Established in April 1942 in partnership with the University of Wisconsin at Madison[4].
- Offered over 700 courses listed in the “What Would You Like to Learn” catalogue[4].
- Over one million servicemen took correspondence courses through USAFI[4].
Challenges and Adaptations
- Soldiers often had to study under difficult conditions, such as working by candlelight in foxholes[4].
- For those overseas, regular mail service was not always available, necessitating adaptations to the traditional correspondence course format[4].
Post-War Impact
- These programs laid the groundwork for expanded educational benefits for veterans after the war, such as the G.I. Bill in the United States[4].
- The success of these wartime education initiatives led to continued educational programs for service members in peacetime[4].
Citations:
[1] Education during the Second World War
[2] WWII and Education
[3] Education, Classification, and Military Strength: A look at the Development of the U. S. Army During World War II
[4]Information Education and Media
Red Cross Facilities
The Red Cross operated clubs and recreational facilities for U.S. troops in various locations during World War II, including in the Pacific theatre [1]. In New Guinea specifically, Red Cross clubs were described as “grass huts”[1]. This suggests they were relatively simple structures adapted to the local environment.
More generally, the motivation and goals where:
- The US Army aimed to build and maintain an efficient and effective force by focusing on soldiers’ morale and welfare[2].
- The primary goal was to keep soldiers fit for combat – physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually[2].
Recreational activities were one of the means by which they sought to achieve these goals [2]:
- Organized sports like baseball, basketball, and volleyball were popular.
- Individual outdoor activities included swimming, fishing, and horseback riding.
- Sightseeing tours, live shows, films, and spectator sports (especially boxing) were offered.
- Dances were organized at training posts, often with local community groups providing partners.
- Self-improvement classes in topics like literacy, painting, photography, and foreign languages were available.
The organizations involved included [2]:
- The United Service Organizations (USO) was formed to coordinate recreation services.
- The American Red Cross played a significant role in providing welfare and recreation services.
- Church groups and other faith-based organizations contributed to soldiers’ spiritual well-being.
On-Post services included [2]:
- Service centres were constructed for off-duty soldiers to relax, read, write letters, or enjoy refreshments.
- Post Exchanges (PX) offered various items, including food, cigarettes, and magazines.
Beyond recreational activities, maintaining the morale of the soldiers included ensuring adequate food and clothing [2]:
- The US Army prioritized providing adequate and quality food to maintain morale.
- Surveys were conducted to gather feedback on food preferences and clothing suitability for different environments.
Some of the challenges and issues faced included [2]:
- Racial segregation in recreational facilities was a contentious issue.
- The army had to balance providing entertainment while keeping soldiers away from “vice dens”.
Citations:
[1] World War II and the American Red Cross
[2] Recreation and Welfare