A Soldier Writes Home

Portsmouth Herald, 12 Jul 1944, pg. 4, transcribed by Teresa McVeigh 2 Oct 2009:

A Soldier Writes Home

Second Lt. Harry Mouton and Pvt. Francis Roark, who live only three-quarters of a mile apart on Manson road, Kittery, met recently in England where they are stationed with a U.S. Army air force unit. They hadn't seen each other for two years.

Private Roark, son of Mrs. Sybel Borgkvist, has been stationed with a military police division in England since October. The 21-year-old soldier, a bus driver in civilian life, entered the Army Jan 20, 1943, and took his basic training in Atlantic City, N.J.

Lieutenant Moulton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Moulton, is a graduate of Traip academy and worked as an apprentice at the Portsmouth Navy yard before his induction into the army two years ago. He went to England about a month ago.

Private Roark recently wrote the following letter to his mother from "somewhere in England:"

I got a big surprise yesterday. Harry Moulton is in the next barracks from me for a while. Boy! I was sure glad to see him. I guess he was the same. He hasn't been home for quite a while either. He said when he was coming over he flew over his house and saw it for the first time in two years. That's nearer than I got anyway. He won't be here very long.

How is everyone at home? I guess Joe Borgkvist must be somewhere neat Rome by now. What do you think of the news now? Sounds pretty good, doesn't it?

The weather is pretty good now. It is still a little chilly once in a while though. Well, mom, I can't seem to think of any more that I can write, so I guess I will close, hoping to hear from all soon.

Private Borgkvist referred to in the letter is stationed with a medical corps unit in Italy. His wife, Mrs. Virginia Borgkvist of Manson Road, Kittery, recently received word from the war department that he had been slightly wounded in action. She says, however, that he has made no mention of his wounds in his letters home.

A chipper and caulker at the navy yard before his induction Aug 25 1942, Private Borgkvist received Army training at Camp Pickett, Va. and Camp Edwards, Mass. before he was sent overseas about a year ago.