[Continued from previous page] spoke to us today. He was terrific. He related many of his experiences in battle, they weren’t nice.
We took a hike today, another Orientation feature. Had a movie in the castle tonight. They show one each night now, also we have our own Red Cross where we can get coffee and Do‐nuts.
Wednesday, 8 November [1944] Littlecote
Went swimming in the pool today, pretty classy. Heated water, tiled pool. We are taking 3 hours of French every day. I hope, that is indicative of something. Air activity is still tremendous. It seems that most of the troops in England are Air Corp and Paratroopers.
Thursday, 9 November [1944] Littlecote
Just another day. Had another movie in the castle tonight “Song of The Open Road.” 1Song of the Open Road was a 1944 American musical comedy film that featured child star Jane Powell and the comedian W.C. Fields. S. Sylvan Simon directed the film while Charles R. Rogers Productions produced the film. The film opened in theatres on D‐Day, June 6, 1944. “Song of the Open Road.” Accessed April 20, 2014. American Film Institute Catalog of Motion Pictures (AFI). Left in the middle of it to play some pinochle. Most of our back mail (recent back mail) came in today. I’ll have a lot of letters to answer now.
Friday, 10 November [1944] Littlecote
Another chat with the Paratroop Capt. He told us about the Holland invasion, a story of courage and horrors.2Goetz is referring here to Operation Market Garden, an Allied airborne offensive led by General Sir Bernard Montgomery on September 17, 1944. The aerial attack was designed to end World War II early by sending an estimated 20,000 British and American paratroopers and ground units to outflank Nazi defenses. Unfortunately, the Germans managed to route the Allies, causing a mass retreat on September 25, thus ending the attack. “1944: Airborne Invasion of Holland Begins.” Accessed April 20, 2014. BBC News. Didn’t rain today.
Saturday, 11 November [1944] Littlecote
Spent the morning working. The afternoon in Hungerford, visiting with friends and had supper at the Three Swans Hotel.3The Three Swans Hotel was formerly a coaching inn built in 1300. The Three Swans Hotel is located in Hungerford, Berkshire, England. Despite being over 700 years old, it is still in use. “Best Western‐Three Swans Hotel.” Accessed April 24, 2014. Threeswans.co.uk. [continued on next page]