Harrington Answers Inquiry About Ernest Gerritsma
The Syne Gerritsma family have had no direct word from their son Ernest since the Japanese attack. He is believed to be in the Philippine area. Last week Mr. Gerritsma and the editor wrote a joint letter to Congressman Harrington, asking his aid in getting information. We received the following letter which has a seed of encouragement and a promise of further information.
December 26, 1941 Mr. E.E. Roelofs Sioux Center News Sioux Center, Iowa. Dear Ed: On receipt of your letter today I called the War Department in reference to the whereabouts of Ernest Gerritsma, and they have promised to investigate and let me know. However, it may be of some comfort to this young man’s parents that no news is good news; in other words the Department states that parents of all casualties have already been notified. In the absence of such notification it is assumed that a soldier is safe and in good health.
With best regards, I am, Yours sincerely, Vincent F. Harrington
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 1, 1942, p 1
Ernest Gerritsma in Philippines
A letter was received on Tuesday morning from the War Department which stated that Ernest Gerritsma was in the Philippine area and engaged in active duty according to the latest word. This letter was in answer to a letter written by his father, Syne Gerritsma and the editor to Vincent Harrington, our congressman.
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 8, 1942, p 1
Soldiers Addresses
Private Ernest John Gerritsma c.o. Commanding General Philippine Department Manila, Philippine Islands
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 8, 1942, p 8
With McArthur In The Philippines (photo)
Ernest Gerritsma, son of Mr. and Mrs. Syne Gerritsma of Sioux Center, is among the brave soldiers making a last ditch stand in the Philippines under Gen. McArthur. Ernest is trained as an anti-aircraft gunner.
A card written by him on Dec. 14 was received in Sioux Center this week. A later check-up was made by the war department reporting him on duty under McArthur.
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 22, 1942, p 1
A card mailed by Ernest Gerritsma on Dec. 14th after the attack on Pearl Harbor was received here on January 18th. Presumably the card was mailed on board ship for the post mark read: U. S. Navy. It was a commercial card on which Ernest had marked, “I am well” and “Will write when convenient”.
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 22, 1942, p 8
PARENTS RECEIVE CABLEGRAM FROM SON ERNEST IN PHILIPPINES
Gerritsma’s received a cablegram on Sunday afternoon from their son Ernest Gerritsma. The message was sent at 4:06 Sunday afternoon Manila time, but because of the time there is 13 hours earlier that here it arrived here on Sunday afternoon.
The message stated that he was well and that he was writing a letter. It also said he had not received any of the letters mailed to him from here. The Gerritsma family plan to send a cablegram to him since no mail has gotten thru to Manila.
Ernest is an anti-aircraft gunner with McArthur in the Philippines. Except for one postcard this is the first communication they have had directly from Ernest since the war started on Dec. 7.
Source: Sioux Center News Jan. 29, 1942, p 8
A common bond of love for their sons has drawn old friends and also strangers together in an effort to gain information and understanding of the present war crisis. An example of this was a letter received about two weeks ago by Mrs. John Kroon from an old friend, Mrs. Wm. E. Madson who lives in Hawarden. Mrs. Kroon has three sons in the service of their country and Mrs. Madson has two in the service with a younger son registered to be called. Mrs. Madson recalled the name of one of the soldiers from Sioux Center – Ernest Gerritsma – who was in the same battalion as her son, Rodney while in Fort Ord, California. The battalion is the 147th F. A. and according to a letter received Feb. 22, it seemed the men were in Australia at Christmas. Rodney and his group left Honolulu on Dec. 1, so they were a week’s journey between Honolulu and Manila when the Japs struck Pearl Harbor.
Source: Sioux Center News Mar. 12, 1942, p 8
Ernest Gerritsma Writes, In Australia
LETTERS ARRIVE WED., MARCH 11, DATED FEB. 1
The Syne Gerritsma family and friends were rejoicing Wednesday night with the arrival of three letters from their son, Ernest, the first work they have received since shortly after he sailed from the west coast last November. Other than a cablegram which reached them January 25th from an unknown destination, the Gerritsma family have had no news from their son, after the attack on Hawaii where they feared he might have been at that time. While a strict limitation is necessarily placed on the contents which they are permitted to include in their letters, Ernest has managed to convey a good deal of information which is of vital interest without giving any information which would be useful to the enemy if the letters had fallen into their hands. He is in good health, and his services as a carpenter are much in demand since the present camp site is “rather primitive” as he describes it. He is now a First Class Private. He said his ocean voyage was an experience he would never forget and that it included some unpleasant aspects as well as pleasant adventures. It will take several readings and rereadings of these three letters to find between the lines things that he has tried not to say and yet finds it difficult to withhold. The NEWS will publish the letter in detail next week. The letters were mailed from Australia and carried a date line of February 1.
Source: Sioux Center News Mar. 2, 1942, p 1
SYNE GERRITSMA REJOICE IN NEWS FROM SON ERNEST
Of course you have all read about the letters which came from Ernest Gerritsma who is in Australia. The letters came at a late hour just before the NEWS went to press last week Wednesday. This was the first word heard from Ernest by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Syne Gerritsma since receiving a cablegram on January 25th, from an unknown destination. Ernest sailed from the west coast last November and his relatives had no word after the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japs, other than the cablegram. Ernest is a First Calss Private, is in good health and his services as a carpenter are much in demand at the present camp site which is “rather primitive”.
The letters were mailed from Australia and were dated February 1.
Australia Feb. 1, 1942 Dear Ones at Home: This is the first Sunday since Nov. 9, 1941 that seems at least somewhat like a Sabbath day, during all this time there has been no noticeable distinction between one day and another, and while it was for the most part unavoidable it became very tiresome. While under these conditions our Sundays cannot be such as they are at home so the little we have is the more appreciated. Our chaplain has introduced what I think will be a nice and also rather unique custom, just as we have church bells at home, people here too need a reminder to tell them when it is church time, so the chaplain has the band play a few hymns before the service starts. One number sounded somewhat like one of our Dutch psalms and in mentioning this to the chaplain he asked whether I had any such music. It would have been a simple matter to bring some along but like so many other items they are only missed when it is too late. Perhaps a few stray sheets could be sent along sometime. Speaking of the scarcity of certain things reminds me of a quotation I once read, “A woman is only a woman but a good cigarette is a smoke”, now, as you well know, I do not at all agree with the first part, but since living here I have come to realize that a good cigarette is a smoke. We have tobacco but the taste of people here differs from ours. My idea of a good smoke is a Chesterfield that satisfies or a pipeful of Edgeworth. When we first came to the shores of Australia it looked rather odd to see the Australian soldiers in trousers cut about six inches above the knees. The climate is warm and having an excessive amount of clothes on will soon cause prickly heat, for this reason clean clothes are put on each day; one advantage of short trousers is that they are easier to wash; it didn’t take us long to grasp this since we must do our own laundry. Conditions in this camp are very primitive but we are rapidly making ourselves as comfortable as possible, this means, of course, that I am being very useful; more than ever I realize that a carpenter is in demand most anywhere. At present we are making bunks and because of the scarcity of manufactured lumber it is necessary to use the material at hand; small, fairly straight trees of two to four inches in diameter can be converted into a good bed of one has a few sharp tools, nails and woven wire. Aside from the work which is necessary for the maintenance and safety of the camp we are released from the daily routine. No doubt you would like a description or account of our voyage; I think it will be permissible to say a few things but the complete story may contain too much valuable information; the censorship has been relaxed in-so-far that we are able to state that we are stationed in Australia. I have never known exactly the amount of time father and mother spent in travelling by boat, but I am sure that already I have lived aboard ship twice as long as their total time. The ocean voyage has been the greatest single experience of my life and will be vividly remembered, not only for the novelty and adventure of it but for the numerous unpleasant aspects as well. Little did we suspect a year ago that so many big and important events would take place in the next twelve months; certainly I never expected to travel so much or see so many different kinds of country, hot or cold, level and mountainous, desert and fertile, etc. and at present half way around the world from home. Travelling as a soldier is by no means like making an ordinary trip nor is it done for pleasure, but it has at least this one aspect that most of the places I’ve been are associated with certain things such as having been on guard at one place, having slept in the rain at another or a supper of salty beans at still another place. Yesterday I had a letter all written out staying within the limits as I thought, when this evening our first sergeant comes out with a new list of instructions in addition to the approximate three pages of restrictions on the bulletin board; thus the letter had to be completely revised. Briefly I might state that during the course of our voyage we crossed the equator and this event was celebrated aboard ship with an elaborate and appropriate ceremony; upon entering his domain Neptunus Rex, along with his bodyguard of pirates, came aboard ship to hold a day of court and pass judgement on his polywogs; hereafter we will be known as Sir Shellback. Beginning Dec. 1st I was given a first class private rating, an increase of six dollars per month; Tommy Swiep received a fifth class specialist rating which means we have prospered equally. The rating is an indication that my work has been recognized and in this sense it is worth much more than the money itself, but if it represents payment in full my effort were misspent. During this week one of the officers made it a point to thank me for some work I had done for him, and from another I received a package of cigarettes also least expected. It is as Dr. De Bey once said to me, “We all like a little praise now and then”. Working is a pleasure but without some incentive it is discouraging. Much as I would like to it is impossible to give news and particulars of what I am doing, nor can we state exactly where we are or where we’ve been; it surely would make an interesting story. The days pass quickly because our time is usually quite well occupied. Considering what might have been we have every reason to be thankful. The cablegram I sent was the first opportunity of a message reaching you and I was happy to know it would be passed by the censor. As yet, there has been no mail for us; we are eager to learn what is taking place at home, the weather, who is leaving for the army, whether prices have increased and (illegible) used to take for granted. All my news would fill a sizeable volume, perhaps later we will be permitted to disclose our many experiences.
I am in good health – we are kept fairly busy – I hope to write again next week. Please convey my greetings to everyone at home. Lovingly yours, Ernest P.F.C. Ernest J. Gerritsma Hdq. Btry., 2nd Battalion, 147th F. A. APO 501 c.o. Postmaster, San Francisco, Calif.
Source: Sioux Center News Mar. 19, 1942, p 6
58 Soldiers From Sioux Center Vicinity
SEND OMITTED NAMES OF MEN IN SERVICE
The American Legion has been sending inspirational letters each month to the soldiers of the Sioux Center vicinity and are anxious to have a complete list of the men in the service. The NEWS has published the names of the men who left to serve their country in the "NEWS ABOUT OUR SOLDIERS" column. Please contact the NEWS if any soldier has been omitted or if the rank is not correct in the list which follows: ..... P. F. C. Ernest J. Gerritsma ..... Keep the Sioux Center News informed when your soldier has a promotion in rank, change of address, or just a line about how he is getting along. Little sidelights on the activities of the men under arms are of interest to everyone. Call us anytime and give us a news item on the man who has gone to serve his country in the time of war. The News Reporter cannot contact each one of you every week so your cooperation will be appreciated.
Every letter from the soldiers indicate a great deal of pleasure is derived in reading about his fellow "Buddy" and the mutual experiences in the U.S. service.
Source: Sioux Center News March 26, 1942, p 7
Cablegram and Letter From Ernest Gerritsma
A cablegram was received by Marie Ten Harmsel on Thursday, April 23rd from Ernest Gerritsma, who is stationed with the U.S. army in Australia. The cablegram was received on Ernest’s father, Syne Gerritsma’s birthday.
A short letter came this past week for Marie which stated that Ernest had received no mail in the past 5 months from anyone. On Saturday night, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gerritsma and Marie Ten Harmsel sent a cablegram to Ernest in Australia hoping that he would finally get word from them.
Source: Sioux Center News Apr. 30, 1942, p 8
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Following are excerpts from letters written by Rodney Madson to his parents, Dr. and Mrs. W. E. Madson. He is with the U.S. army in Australia.)
Australia, May 31, 1942 Dear Folks: We had a very nice Memorial Day program here in camp yesterday. Hope that the rest of the home town boys had as nice a day. Passing by the flag to the music of the band causes one to remember all the things that we should give thanks for. They have paid the greatest price one could be asked to pay, so that we could enjoy a more full and beautiful life. We must all do our part whether great or small. Then and only then can our great nation live in its full glory. Our band was here to play and it sure sounded good. It has been some time since they played here. The last night we had a good old jam session. Boy did the notes fly! Gas lights and full moon made things as light as day. ….. Ernest Gerritsma (Sioux Center) is still in the same Btry with me; but Wm. Edmonds is not near us any longer, but think that he is o.k. Your son, Rodney
Source: Hawarden Independent July 16, 1942, p 3
Ernest Gerritsma Letter Here in 14 Days From Australia
P.F.C. Ernest Gerritsma wrote a letter to Marie Ten Harmsel which arrived here this past week in 14 days which is considered very fast time from Australia. He says that some letters written between Nov. 27, 1941 and Dec. 25th did not reach him until July which is puzzling. Some of the men in the service are still receiving Christmas packages in Australia and are a bit in wonder which Christmas it was meant for. (You know we are urged to send Christmas packages to foreign lands in October and up until Nov. 1st, so it won’t be long). P.F.C. Gerritsma received letters from his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Syne Gerritsma, a card and a letter from the Civic Club, two from the American Legion, a card from Rev. H. A. Dykstra and letters from John A. Vogel and C. Schiebout.
Mr. Syne Gerritsma told his son that not one line of his letters had been cut by the censors which shows that Ernest is not giving away any military secrets. The Australians have been very cordial to both the soldiers and civilians, and PFC Gerritsma is well treated but says that there are conditions existing there that if he could explain we would not believe existed.
Ernest speaks very highly of the Salvation Army, YMCA, and Australian Comforts Fund as they reserve high praise for the work they are doing.
Source: Sioux Center News Aug. 13, 1942, p 8
Marie Ten Harmsel received a letter on Monday morning from Victoria, Australia, which was written by Mrs. H. M. Cook. The Cook family, consisting of two small girls, 8 and 12, have befriended Ernest Gerritsma after meeting at a church service there. Ernest has been a guest in their home several times and so Mrs. Cook took it upon herself to write a letter to Marie.
Source: Sioux Center News Sept. 3, 1942, p 2
Buy Bonds To Back The Soldiers
Ernest Gerritsma sends an interesting letter home discussing the position of the United States in this great conflict, our relation to other countries of the world in commerce, the American influence the world over and how a soldier gets a bit “warm under the collar” so to speak when people are too selfish to loan their money to the government to protect something which he could not feel that he would outlive the shame of giving up now and coming home with conditions as they are. We will publish more excerpts from this letter next week.
Source: Sioux Center News Sept. 3, 1942, p 8
Soldier Writes Encouraging Letter From Australia
PFC Ernest Gerritsma writes a letter from Australia. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Syne Gerritsma of Sioux Center. We have taken parts of the letter to get the viewpoint of a soldier on world conditions as they exist today.
Australia Friday, June 19, 1942. We have a daily newssheet which the army publishes and as might be expected the view is ever optimistic, even when things are not going our way. If one did take all the reports seriously there wouldn’t be a soldier left to fight or a plane left to fly but as I look about there is plenty evidence of both. And in spite of the reports on German losses in Russia the fighting still goes on with apparently neither side actually gaining much ground. The optimism is all right with a few grains of salt, however, there’s no denying that we are getting some rough treatment at times. The efforts of the first Japanese push apparently are exhausted and perhaps they are now concentrating on keeping what they have taken. It looks very much like their plans included an invasion of Australia which would have kept us that much farther from Japan. Both the United States and Japan must depend on their navy to keep the various outposts supplied and here it is encouraging to note that our navy is gradually whittling the enemy down to its size. Lately I’ve sent a few issues of the Field Artillery Journal home and I hope you’ll take time to read them, the magazine is generally taken as authentic. Last night I received another letter from the American Legion Post written by P.B. Mouw, without so much as looking at the bottom of the page I could plainly tell who wrote this letter. I can easily imagine what he says and thinks of the old tightwads who won’t spend nor even loan some money to the government for it’s defense. Now, being a banker, I have always supposed particularly lends itself to the study of human nature and also having been a soldier for a few years the World War gives him a view from both angles. No wonder the situation makes him warm, that’s ditto for me. As I stated in my letter to you about a week ago it would be a good education for people back home to see a little of how large this world actually is in comparison to their own minutely small world in which they live. They would see that the influence and commerce of our country does extend considerably beyond our own border. I was greatly surprised to see in the several stages of our trip the numerous American products and also the effects which American progress has brought about. Here again I have Rev. H. A. Dykstra to thank for telling me long before this war began what essentially is involved. Is it a fight to save democracy? That is not the whole story. Why did we object so strongly against Japan making a “cruel and barbaric” war on the poor Chinese? Simply because our large companies owned interests in China and these interests deserve protection. Now why couldn’t we kiss the Standard Oil holdings goodbye, what is a few million or even billion dollars of one company’s money against the lives of soldiers. So they argued. What it really meant is that we were carrying on a sizeable volume of trade with China right under the nose of Japan which aspired to be a manufacturing nation like America, England and Germany. Rev. Dykstra personally told me that Japanese products were of very inferior quality and in the then open market of China comparatively little was sold. American goods were superior in quality and somewhat lower priced. Thus the Japs decided to force the competitors out by violence. I don’t think for a minute that we have always been gentlemen but if we are strong enough to keep our markets why shouldn’t we. And how does this concern the people at home? If they wish to continue living in beautiful homes, drive from place to place in good automobiles over good roads and enjoy all the common every day luxuries they will have to pay the price. An enemy doesn’t have to invade our country before we feel the pinch, if Standard Oil, etc. loses it’s holdings, who loses? We the people because it consists of the thousands of ordinary American people who are the shareholders. I could think of nicer things to do and nicer places to be but I could never outlive the shame of giving up now and coming home with conditions such as they are. If at all possible I don’t wish to return to a country which must ask favors from its enemies, this is not being lunatic nor is it branding those people as traitors who can’t contribute ten thousand dollars for defense but if everybody realized what is at stake I’m sure that they would give as they are able. Mr. Mouw said only a few words on the subject and he wasn’t, as we say here, “hostile”, he merely pointed out that there are a few selfish and short sighted people and this is my opinion of them. Our mail service is still not too good, please do not worry when my letters are late or few sometimes because there is usually a lot of work to be done and this isn’t peacetime. Ernest (Gerritsma)
(These excerpts were taken from a letter to Marie Ten Harmsel)
Source: Sioux Center News Sept. 10, 1942, p 2
A Friend Writes of Ernest Gerritsma
PFC Ernest Gerritsma who is with the U.S. Army is apparently well, safe and as happy as anyone could be away from home according to Mrs. Dorothy E. Gough who has befriended him in Australia. Soldiers are often invited to the Australian homes following church services and spend their Sunday off at the homes of Australian friends. This family met Ernest and a soldier pal at the Methodist church and invited them to dinner. Arrangements were made by the friends and the choir leader to have on of Ernest’s favorite hymns sung at the evening services. The Australians appear to be doing everything in their power to make our soldiers happy by providing a “home away from home” by their hospitality. The letter continues, “I know the Canadian folk are very good to our air force boys who are over there.”
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 8, 1942, p 8
Picture Censored
Ernest Gerritsma sent home two pictures of himself in Australia in front of his barracks. One picture was censored and part of it was cut out. A container or so called “foot locker” was sent by Ernest in June and is still enroute. A notice from the government came to notify the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Syne Gerritsma that the large package would arrive.
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 15, 1942, p 2
Sends Trunk From Australia
A soldier’s trunk, shipped last March or April from Australia by Ernest Gerritsma arrived here last Saturday. In the trunk were heavy clothing, a souvenir anti-aircraft shell, pictures and a diary of his trip and early days in Australia.
Ernest was the first boy from here to leave the U. S., and had left Pearl Harbor 1 day before the Dec. 7 attack. In the diary he tells of the trip across. The transport he was on was convoyed by a cruiser, and the cruiser sank one Jap submarine and damaged another.
Ernest was in Darwin at the time of the first big Jap raid on that harbor. At present he is stationed on the southeast corner of Australia.
Source: Sioux Center News Oct. 29, 1942, p 12
Ernest Gerritsma who is in Australia has a slight change of address as follows: PFC Ernest J. Gerritsma Hdq. 2nd Bn. 147 F.A. APO 923 Postmaster San Francisco, Calif.
Source: Sioux Center News Nov. 5, 1942, p 7
Sioux Center Boys Meet In Australia
In a letter to his parents Lester Van Muyden writes that he met Ernest Gerritsma. They are stationed only one mile apart, in the southeastern part of Australia near Melbourne.
Source: Sioux Center News Nov. 5, 1942, p 8
Australia October 13, 1942
Dear parents & sisters: Reading over a few of your recent letters I gather that you are eager for more information on this country. A question which I’m often asked and which I’ll ask you is how much you knew about Australia before 1942. To me it was a land of kangaroos, sheep (and mutton), rabbits, large wheat fields and tremendous stretches of country besides being a country in the British Commonwealth of Nations. No doubt I’ve learned more at first hand about the lay of the land than most Australians from their school textbooks. Mutton is here in abundance but it will be a long hungry day before I’ll live at the expense of a sheep, lamb shops are edible enough, in fact there isn’t so much that suggests “sheep” in lamb chops. When there is mutton for dinner or supper the whole battery knows well in advance what is in store by the plaintive bleating of those who discover it first. That the American soldiers have no use for mutton is quite generally known throughout Australia, no doubt the cattle and hog raisers are due for a good time. Before the war our country imported considerable quantities of wool, gold and hides from Australia and this country imported such things as automobiles (this we noticed first of all but the steering wheels were on the wrong side – sure enough), tobacco, gasoline and oil and paper. During the first few days here I visited and was shown through a newspaper plant, one of the leading papers in this country, the man I talked with was well informed and gave me a nice introduction to Australia. In many ways this country is greatly handicapped, with an area nearly equal to ours the population is only one-seventh that of our country, where we have thirty percent of our land in forests here the area is estimated at two percent and I doubt whether there is a really good stick of lumber in the lot. There are great stretches of forests or woods and bush but the trees are useless for lumber, they are of the gum variety as we know them, eucalyptus trees, the tree is tall and slender of no value to the sawmill. I was surprised to learn, however, that this particular wood is termite resistant and is therefore ideal for sleepers or railway ties, scarce as lumber may be otherwise millions of these sleepers were exported to China and Burma. If ten times as many were shipped there wouldn’t be a dent in the supply, and for my part I’m heartily sick of staring at these trees, but either that or live in the desert without any trees whatever. Another serious handicap is lack of oil. Every Australian to whom I’ve mentioned this has the belief that oil can be found, the story usually goes that when oil is found the big interests promptly buy the claim and seal the well, this may or may not be true but if ever there was a market for this product it would be now. Until just recently when it became an absolute necessity there was comparatively little manufacturing, the position was like ours in 1774, mainly that of furnishing the raw materials. Not an automobile or airplane was made; the war has proved a boon to Australia when it compelled this nation to produce all it could, airplanes, Bren-gun carriers (what our boys think of these I’d hardly tell even though I could) and they finally discovered the fact that England is not the only place where wool can be spun into yarn, we have learned, also from hard experience that the English have furnished the world equally well with more than one kind of yarn. Obviously all of us know that the world is due for a big change after the war and guiding these affairs into the most advantageous channels for their respective nations is perhaps as much a problem for all the statesmen as the war itself. After all, our country may win the war so far as destroying the opposing military might is concerned, but if we don’t capture our share of the markets and trade we might as well give it to the Japs now. When Rev. A. J. Dykstra and I visited together a year or more ago we discussed these things frequently due to his long experience living in the Far East he saw clearly what was brewing. I’d surely enjoy talking with him again soon. He wrote a very nice letter to me recently and I surely owe him a reply seeing it must be a special effort on his part. It is two weeks ago since I have written you but I did mange to write Marie’s letter, I usually do this in rotation which means a few more letters will be late, I carried Marie’s letter in my shirt jacket for a week and it hasn’t been answered yet – anyway, you’ll know that I am still hearty and well, in the event of any injury or mishap you would be notified immediately. You will realize that there are many more things on my mind and that material for criticism is plentiful, however, I have observed the spirit of the law as well as the letter, I’ve always been taught that crime doesn’t pay – it surely has me wondering sometimes. Lovingly, your son and brother, Ernest Ernest J. Gerritsma Hq. Btry. 2nd Bn. 147 F. A. San Francisco, Calif. APO 923 (Editor’s note: The Rev. H. A. Dykstra mentioned above was a classmate of the editor at Calvin College in the late 1920’s. Rev. Dykstra was in the U.S. on leave at that time. He would appreciate it if Ernest would send him our greetings in his next letter to him.)
Source: Sioux Center News Nov. 19, 1942, p 2
Excerpt of letter from Marvin Mouw to his parents: ….. He says he is on the sea not far from Ernest Gerritsma’s present location. …..
Source: Sioux Center News Dec. 10, 1942, p 8
Australia T-5 Ernest J. Gerritsma Hq. Btry. 2nd Bn. 147 F. A. San Francisco, Calif. Dear Parents and Sisters: Whenever my thoughts turn to home these days I try picturing what living in Sioux County would mean. Nowhere in this part of the world is there any real winter; at its worst winter is only the cooler part of perpetual summer while snow and frost, except in the southern part of Australia, are as rare as an earthquake in Iowa. After residing in this climate for quite a spell I still have a strong dislike for hot weather and positively dread the cold, when the temperature drops to near freezing even the genuine army wool feels like a bathing suit in Siberia. By the way folks, have you seen our tropical dress uniform or sun tans as we call them? It looks cool as an ice cube although it can’t make one forget about the heat altogether, when clean and pressed it draws many an envious look from the civilians who have a hard time of it stretching the 112 ration coupons over the year. Possibly you have come across a picture of this uniform (it’s not exactly new) and if not there is one in a Field Artillery Journal I sent home. I never thought that clothes interested me a great lot or that I was guilty of any conceit in respect to dress but it’s starting to creep up gradually, what is largely responsible for this phenomena is having been in a position to compare our uniform with others. Now, it’s perfectly true that a nice uniform won’t make a good soldier but it surely does make a difference, there must be a definite reason for the army insisting that it be worn properly. You’ve heard the saying “It’s the little things that count, you can sit on a mountain but you can’t sit on a tack.” At the present time the war news sounds encouraging, according to reports Japan has suffered a defeat in a naval engagement near the Solomon Islands, even though several battles during the past year have resulted in our favor our position isn’t too secure as yet, there are a lot of “Solomon” islands between here and Japan and if the situation is figured mathematically it means a long, hard pull. One might say that Japan as well as the U. S. has never been defeated. We made the mistake of underestimating the Japs and I do believe they underrated us. The general who spoke to us the other day said the Japs know how to give it but didn’t know how to take it. In the F. A. Journal, which you have at home, it is stated that the Japanese army is almost wholly organized for offensive warfare only and when met with superior forces they seem at a loss. It is interesting to note also (F.A.J.) how a Japanese commander considers an attack inadvisable unless he has at least a twenty percent superiority and preferably 2 to 1. This illustrates the Japanese complex, like the jackal he operates in packs, cowardly, won’t attack unless he is dead sure of his game, now, the lion usually goes out alone and he’s king of the forest. Perhaps we can capitalize on these peculiarities of Japanese character – to sum it all up at once the world is just too small for both of us – as the general said, the Jap is nothing more than a primitive savage. You may wonder why I referred to this talk this general made since his was not the first good speech I’ve heard. One reason he impressed me was because he seemed to have a clear understanding of what is involved, also because he realized that human efforts alone are not sufficient to accomplish our aim – not the Hitler type of man. When a speech is made purely for the purpose of stimulating the emotions it is easily recognized for what it is, except for Germany or Italy, the best days of the high-pressure salesman is past. How, do you suppose, would a German general address his troops? This is news you’ll be glad to hear – the Christmas package you sent arrived yesterday, after telling me it was sent the waiting sort of kept me on edge. Well folks, I’m sure that I cannot express my thanks to the same measure as your thoughtfulness. I certainly appreciate the practical and useful articles such as the toilet kit, hook, shaving apparatus, pipe and tobacco. Evidently Uncle Ben remembered my fondness for pocket knives, I’m completely lost without one and also they do disappear occasionally, the last time I was robbed of eight shillings for a three shilling knife because, like so many things here, they are getting scarce as Zero’s around a Flying Fortress. Now that’s using the old bean, Uncle; what this army needs is more uncles like you. The Australians are more fond of candy and sweets than we are, so the dentists lament, you’ll find old men feeding themselves candy like any five-year-old, however, either due to wartime conditions or because they haven’t developed the art as we have the candy here has not the quality of ours. It wasn’t a bad idea to include the variety of mints and gum. And let me not forget to thank the donor of the flashlight, that is a perfect solution to the problem of finding my tent at night. Thanks again, folks. Lovingly, Ernest
Source: Sioux Center News Dec. 17, 1942, p 7
Australia, Dec. 17 PFC Ernest J. Gerritsma Hq. Btry. 2nd Bn. 147 F. A. APO 921, San Francisco, Calif. Dear Ladies: So you have taken it upon yourselves to send Christmas packages to the boys away from home. Both the letter containing your group picture and the Christmas packages have arrived in good condition and that is what prompted this letter. Evidently you have studied letters which the boys write home and taken a few of their little problems to heart as is shown by the careful selection of gifts – every item is most welcome here. Army chow is usually substantial enough but you know how it is – always hungry. The too, our mothers and sisters are not about to supervise our eating habits and in some ways it’s great enjoying so much freedom. I believe the Australian people are more fond of sweet foods and candy than the Americans are but the choice of confectionery is becoming limited because many lines have been discontinued to release labor for the war effort. Ask any soldier abroad whether he prefers American made goods, be it peanuts, candy or army equipment he wouldn’t trade with any other. I sometimes ask myself why it is that I didn’t appreciate the greatness of my own country when I was still at home, there positively isn’t a better place to live. Here’s something for you ladies: A short time ago I was standing on the street of a large city waiting for a street car when I started a casual conversation with a lady standing next to me. I soon found that she had visited the States and she was eager to tell me about it. There are quite a number of people here who have seen our country and their impressions have always been most favorable. While discussing conditions both here and at home I mentioned that the Australian women hasn’t nearly as many household conveniences or the easily kept homes which we have. Her reply was, “Yes the American woman is the best treated woman in the world – and she doesn’t realize it.” We surely have much to lose, it’s worth making a sacrifice for. The Japs were simply delighted to hear of our sugar rationing – as I personally heard over the radio from Tokyo the announcer gloated, “The American Standard of living is coming down”. And finally ladies, while I cannot guarantee a reply a letter is always welcome. Again – many thanks. Very sincerely, Ernest Gerritsma.
Source: Sioux Center News Dec. 31, 1942, p 7
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Iowa, U.S., WWII Bonus Case Files, 1947-1954, Claim No.139700
Ernest J. Gerritsma, SN 37078142, was born Jan. 13, 1917, at Sioux Center, Iowa, where he resided prior to entering the army on Feb. 23, 1941, at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He served with the Headquarters Battery 147th Field Artillery Bn., departed for foreign duty on Nov. 22, 1941, and returned on March 25, 1945.
He was honorably discharged on July 24, 1945. His application for bonus compensation was filed on May 27, 1949, for which he received $500.00.
Source: ancestry.com
