Friday, February 26, 1943 - South Hadley, Mass

USNRMS = US Naval Reserve ?Midshipman?

WR = Women's Reserve

[Return address reads:]

C. M. Wenz A.S. V-9

USNRMS (WR)

South Hadley, Mass

Friday

February 26

Dear Mother,

You haven't had a letter sooner because too much has been happening this week. (We have come in from drill and my hands are so stiff I cannot write any better.)

We are really being rushed through - our finals are on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. We have just finished tests in all of our classes yesterday and today. Since we must be in bed at ten and so much time each day must go into room cleaning that we have to make the most of what study time we have. Our classes are not too difficult but I certainly feel disgusted with myself for foolish mistakes in the tests.

On Wednesday we had our first shots - one tetanus and one smallpox. It was not so bad after all, tho the smallpox itches like fury now. So far as I know no one was particularly affected beyond complaining about stiff arms. Typhoid shots come next week. I think only two women from our platoon have been sent home because of physical reasons -both serious, I guess.

We were interviewed this week by a personnel officer and I suppose by this time next week we will know whether we go into communications or stay here for advanced indoctrination which will mean teaching later. The personnel officer I met was from Ohio and happened to know Miss Stacey - wasn't that odd? They had [?personnel? ?-----ed? illegible] in Ohio State together. I have no notion of what I'll be doing so we'll have to wait to see.

You asked whether or not I liked it here. We are really so busy that it is hard to find time to like or dislike anything. Some of the girls object more to the regimentation but for the most part I have not minded that too much. I cannot say I am wildly enthusiastic, nor would I encourage Peep to join - yet. But it has never been my nature to be wildly enthusiastic and so you need not jump to the conclusion that I am unhappy. Everything is so new that it is hard to make any judgment. I am enjoying the girls here - it is too bad we shall be separated so soon. The added dignity of being a midshipman next week certainly pleases us, tho.

Tomorrow is captain's inspection - and the captain is really coming. He inspects everything, including the baths, kitchens and stairways so the maids have be scouring for dear life. Woe be unto any of us unlucky seamen who make a misstep tomorrow.

We are all staying this weekend even tho we could have shore leave. Finals spoil any prospects to do much but walk out in the country.

Who is staying with you now? Your description of Larry's [?] visit was amusing. I shall try to create a better impression when I get home.

Will you please tell Grandpa and Uncle Russ that I am thinking of them? Tell Uncle Russ that I am not too accomplished at drill.

Thank you for the ration book - I have permission thru the school to get shoes March 6.

Do excuse the writing.

Love,
Caroline

Letters today from - of all people - Edith Pope [?], George, you and Virginia S. who saw a real British admiral.

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NOTE

Caroline once told me that during captain's inspection, he opened a dresser drawer and seemed puzzled by the Kotex sanitary napkins in some of them.