From all appearances, it looks suspiciously like the war is over and peace is here. There’s a rumor going around to that effect, at any rate. I’m still wondering when VJ-Day was – or is! The last two days have been holidays, that’s all I know for sure. There are few new newspapers and practically no radios – nobody knew nothing! I’ve never heard of such a thing – the way we have been fumbling round trying to learn what’s going on. You’d think we were a thousand miles from civilization. Anyway, hooray for our side!!
Compiegne is as calm and peaceful as ever. More French people than usual have been strolling around the streets and parks – and that’s the extent of the celebrating here – except that there are more drunks than usual! All the excitement is in Paris – it’s probably almost as bad as Belfast on VE-Day.
How do you like these French names? Compiegne is pronounced, roughly – Calm’-pea-ehn’. The “n” has that French nasal sound – it’s almost silent. I am living in what was once called the Castel du Rond Royal. Before the war it was a small second-rate hotel. The building is located just off the Rond Royal, which is the intersection of the Avenue Royale, the Avenue de Marigny, and the Avenue de la Madeleine. Now do you know where I am!?
Just in case you think I am living in luxury, I should explain that this is not a hotel now – merely a lot of rooms filled with GI’s. The Germans were here during the occupation, and between the two of us, the place has been pretty well kicked apart.
I would liked to have gone out and celebrated the victory, but (believe it or not) I have no decent clothing. My woolen shirts and trousers are well worn-out. I’m disgusted with the Army for not making it easier to get such things replaced. I’ve been trying to “salvage” the stuff ever since my last month in Ireland. With no success! But I’ll keep trying – perhaps I’ll be here long enough to get some results.
[letterstohome copyright 2008]