Sarah Sundin's Blog, page 404

Today in World War II History

Moroccan infantry troops in Italy, late 1943
(US Army Center for Military History)70 Years Ago—Dec. 11, 1943: Moroccan troops successful in first combat against Germans in Italy. Field Marshal Kesselring permits German troops to occupy Monte Cassino in Italy, excluding the abbey itself.

Today in World War II History

Canadian troops in drive for Ortona, Italy,
 10 December 194370 Years Ago—Dec. 10, 1943: In Italy, British Eighth Army takes Vino Ridge in drive for Ortona.

Christmas in World War II - The Military

Although World War II did not take a holiday, Americans at home and abroad did their best to celebrate Christmas. Wartime separations and deprivations made festivities poignant and bittersweet. This week’s post looks at Christmas for American servicemen and women, and next week’s will look at Christmas on the Home Front.

Christmas during World War II found Americans on many fronts. In 1941, only a few weeks after the Pearl Harbor attack, American soldiers were putting up a fighting retreat in the Philippines. 1942 found soldiers fighting on Guadalcanal and New Guinea, and in Tunisia. In 1943, US forces fought on Bougainville, New Britain, New Guinea, and in Italy. Christmas of 1944 found the Allies reeling from the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium and also in France, and also engaged in northern Italy, and back in the Philippines. Throughout the war, sailors faced attacks at sea. In addition, many servicemen and women were stationed far from home even if not on the front lines.

Nothing warmed the heart more than gifts from home. The Army and Navy post offices did their best to distribute presents quickly, but the sheer volume of mail and the great distances created difficulties. Families were advised to mail Christmas packages from September 15 to October 15, and the Navy restricted packages to under five pounds. Still, many servicemen, especially sailors at sea, received packages several months later. While many gifts were cherished and useful (such as candy, cookies, and warm socks), some were perplexing, such as neckties and cologne.

US troops eating Christmas dinner on a haystack,
Italy, 25 December 1943 (US National Archives) Troops of US 3rd Division in Italy, December 1943The armed services went out of their way to provide special holiday meals whenever possible. Those serving on ships or on fixed bases, either at home or abroad, had elaborate meals of turkey and ham with all the fixings. Even on the front lines, kitchens tried to provide turkey dinners. However, in 1942 on Guadalcanal, the troops were happy simply to receive an orange and a warm beer.

Traditional decorations were scarce, but improvisation and creativity reigned. On the hospital wards overseas, nurses snipped tin from used plasma cans to make stars to string from the tent ceilings or to decorate little trees. Ration tins and foil wrappings were used for other makeshift decorations.





Sgt. Hiram Prouty of US 175th Infantry Regiment 
dressed as Santa Claus, arriving on a M3 medium tank, 
Perham Down, England, 5 December 1942 
(US Army Signal Corps)Many bases arranged Santa visits, concerts, and parties for the men. In addition, Americans often put together parties for local children. For example, the airmen of the 94th Bombardment Group stationed in Bury St. Edmunds threw a big party for British orphans.









Christmas at Camp Lee, Virginia, December 1941Most of all, the perilous times reminded the serviceman and woman of the reason for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, who saves us from our sins and will one day usher in a new heaven and a new earth without hate and death. Christmas services were held on all fronts, and the carols about “peace on earth, goodwill to men” were sung with special fervor.

Being separated from family and friends during the holidays made war that much more difficult for those in the military, but creativity and generosity made Christmas meaningful and memorable.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 9, 1943: US and British open Lagens Field in the Azores, opening a mid-Atlantic air route. Singer Frank Sinatra declared 4-F in the draft, medically unfit for military service.

Today in World War II History

C-47 in flight70 Years Ago—Dec. 8, 1943: Italian troops, in first combat action for the Allies, attack Monte Lungo, Italy, but are repelled with heavy casualties. US Twelfth Air Force C-47s fly first mission dropping supplies to partisans in northern Italy.

Today in World War II History

US paratroopers approaching San Pietro, Italy
(US Army Center for Military History)70 Years Ago—Dec. 7, 1943: US Fifth Army launches first of several bloody attempts to take San Pietro, Italy.

The Advent Wreath - O Little Town...

One of my family's favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent wreath. On each of the four Sundays in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), our family gathers around the wreath with cookies and eggnog and hot chocolate. Not only is this cozy family time, but it focuses us with joyful anticipation on the birth of Jesus.

This Sunday, December 8, is the second Sunday in Advent, but it's never too late to participate. If you'd like to join the Sundin family in this tradition, here are some family friendly, kid-tested ideas. Adjust these to the ages of any children present to create a meaningful time for your family.

Advent Week Two - The Bethlehem Candle 

Candles:

Light the first purple candle (the Prophets' Candle) and the second purple candle (the Bethlehem Candle) as shown. The purple symbolizes penance. Traditionally, the older children light these candles, but use your judgment.

Story: 

Explain how the prophets foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem of the family of David. Joseph and Mary came to the little town, which was crowded with visitors for the census, and the only place for them to stay was in a dark stable.

Scriptures:

Micah 5:2 (the prophecy that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem)
Luke 2:1-7 (how Jesus came to be born in Bethelehem)
Matthew 2:1-11 (the Magi come looking for Messiah; the Jewish leaders tell Herod of the Bethlehem prophecy)

Songs:

"O Little Town of Bethlehem"
"Silent Night"
"Away in a Manger"
"We Three Kings"

During this hectic holiday season, may you find stillness and peace with the Child of Bethlehem.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 6, 1943: Soviets take Yeysk on Sea of Rostov, cutting off German Army Group A.

Today in World War II History

P-51 Mustangs in flight70 Years Ago—Dec. 5, 1943: P-51 Mustang fighter planes first escort US Eighth Air Force on bombing missions, extending range of raids. Japanese planes bomb Calcutta (350 killed), including US Tenth Air Force airfields (500 casualties).

Today in World War II History

Aerial photo of Chuyo after torpedo hit 70 Years Ago—Dec. 4, 1943: US submarine Sailfish (under command of Robert Ward of Antioch, CA) sinks Japanese escort carrier Chuyo off Japan, 1250 killed. New song in Top Ten: “Shoo Shoo, Baby.”