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to Estelle Spero
11 July 1942
Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945
Diamond discusses the logistical difficulties attached to finding a room for Estelle should she come to visit. Also speaks of the "disturbing signs of nearing shipments."
GLC09120.067
12 July 1942
Informs Estelle that he has an "uncanny premonition" that he is to be shipped before they had arranged to next get together. Pleads with Estelle that, if he is unable to get a pass for the following week, she should come to the training camp...
GLC09120.068
13 July 1942
Diamond expresses concern about obtaining a pass. Sidney then describes his day, which has consisted of a review of chemical agents and first aid for casualties, being paid, a review of the 50 and 30 caliber machine gun, completing the obstacle...
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14 July 1942
Diamond outlines the day's course of events, which included watching two films - one on "Booby traps" and one on signal communication, instructing a group on map-reading and map-making,
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15 July 1942
Sidney tells Estelle that he is almost certain that he will be granted a pass for the weekend. He proceeds to outline his day's activities, which included a lecture on the handling, storing and shipping of chemical warfare equipment and ammunition...
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20 July 1942
Sidney explains to Estelle that he will not have much time to write to her as in an attempt to separate the men eligible for officer candidate school, the entire company are being subjected to the same levels of discipline enforced in the training...
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23 July 1942
Diamond describes to Estelle an overnight training trip which had been interrupted by an air raid alert back at Arsenal.
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25 July 1942
Diamond describes a visit to the Toxic Gas Yard where all of the gas tanks are stored prior to shipment. He tells Estelle about "the most exacting inspection" his platoon has ever experienced, and also his firing of the 4.2 mortar.
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26 July 1942
Letter written after a visit from Estelle.
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27 July 1942
Diamond describes his day to Estelle, which has consisted of a lecture concerned with military discipline and courtesy, a session on first aid, a sessopn relating to the identification of American and German aircrafts and a session on drilling.
GLC09120.076
29 July 1942
Diamond informs Estelle that, if his applications to both officer training and the air corps are unsuccessful, his line of duty will most probably be as a communications sergeant in charge of message centers. He also writes about the task of working...
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30 July 1942
Diamond describes the guard duty that he has just come off. He then outlines to Estelle the rest of the day's schedule - a film on the movements of the rifle squad and platoon in battle, a drill, and an interview with the captain for the officers'...
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31 July 1942
Diamond describes the process of becoming an officer, and also the restrictions he would have if commissioned. He also answers Estelle's questions regarding a meningitis epidemic.
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1 August 1942
Diamond describes his morning, which has consisted of watching a film on explosives and demolitions and another on Japanese aircraft. Sidney mentions that he has still not been called up for his screening interview.
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2 August 1942
Diamond informs Estelle that he has been "hot and heavy" with his text books. He describes a discussion about war and people that he had had the night before.
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August 1942
Diamond describes a six-mile hike that he had gone on that day, two miles of which was done wearing a gas mask.
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5 August 1942
Diamond informs that he will be moved at some time the following week, but that he is still unaware as to where he is being sent. Sidney then describes the day's activities - a session on "night operations" in the morning, and the afternoon spent in...
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Diamond discusses the possibility of his receiving a pass for that weekend. He also expresses frustration at the fact that the board has not met yet.
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10 August 1942
Diamond mentions that he has seen a film on the use of the bayonet. He also informs Estelle that it would be impossible for anyone to comprehend the sensations that he now experiences in terms of fatigue and weariness.
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Diamond describes his interview with the board.
received August 10, 1942
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12 August 1942
Diamond describes what his day has consisted of - a film on bayonet use, a film on how to disarm armed men, and another one on sex hygiene.
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Diamond informs Estelle that he won't be granted a furlough in his company. He also states that out of the six men accepted by the board, only three will actually get to O.C.S; the rest will be shipped overseas. Sidney then outlines his day - an...
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13 August 1942
Diamond describes his day, which has included a film on military discipline, another on "identification of aircraft", a two-hour drill, and a baseball game. Sidney addresses Estelle as his fiancée, and mentions that he has now become accustomed to...
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15 August 1942
Diamond clarifies some points from earlier letters, defining what he means be a furlough and also explaining that the training that he had mentioned was referring to training in order to become a sergeant. Sidney describes the process that he has...
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16 August 1942
Diamond mentions that his company is now living in tents, and that he is to have classes every day in the officer candidate school (OCS). Sidney explains that from now on, he will have little time to write to Estelle, but that this does not reflect...
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