Liveblogging World War II: January 9, 1943
Lt. Ben H. Rushing in North Africa flying B-17s:
Jan. 9, 1943: It was our day off. I stayed out at the field ’til noon then came home & hit the sack. Wish I had some letters from Bena & all. The B-26s went to Tripoli this morning. I think that we are going there tomorrow. Might be rough sledding for us but probably not.
Jan. 8, 1943: We went on a mission today. Went to Bizerta, but couldn’t bomb the target there. We bombed Ferryville, about 10 or 12 miles south of there though. We didn’t see much Flak. I didn’t see any. Did see a few enemy fighters. That was No. 20. Only 10 more to go & maybe I’ll get to see my girl. Oh, how I hope so.
Jan. 7, 1943: Was briefed on a mission to Bizerta today. We didn’t take off because of weather over the target. This afternoon, one of the co-pilots of a B-17 started to fly a P-38 and crashed. Killed himself & 3 Arabs. The General made a speech tonite. He said after 30 missions we would get to go home. Oh, how I hope that is true. I have 19 now. Not too many more to go. Oh, how I hope I can get to go. I would like nothing better than to see my family, girlfriend, & friends. Anyways, we have something to look forward to. I’m willing to go on missions now.
Jan. 6, 1943: We were off for Sfax today. They left the gas cap off on one of our tanks so that stopped us from going. It was an easy mission, too. Would like to have gotten credit for that one. Nothing much else happened.
Jan. 5, 1943: Today was our day off so I just relaxed and took it easy. This is easy at times, but it gets awful boresome. There isn’t anything to do for amusement. Nothing whatsoever to do but sit around. Missions are the only thing that breaks the monotony. Gee, how I would love to be home. They don’t know the half of what’s going on. We get newspapers from home and they tell how we are winning the war down here. If they only knew what a licking we are taking just now. Of course, supply is the problem, but why do they fill them with false propaganda. Guess there’s a reason though.
Jan. 4, 1943: 7 months ago today, I left New York harbor. Seems a long time since I’ve seen the shores of the U.S. Oh, how good it would be if I could see them again. Maybe I will soon. Gee, how I hope so. We went to Bizerta today. Our ship was hit in the bombing last nite so we had to take Lt. Parrot’s ship. He’s the pilot for our new crew. We went to Bizerta, but it was cloudy over the target so we went to Tunis. We dropped our bombs, but we were the only ship in the formation that did. Got a good bit of flak, but not too much. We got hit in 2 or 3 places, though. Sure was glad to get down again. I’m getting nervous as can be. I really am afraid now. Wish I wouldn’t be, but I’ve had a few narrow escapes and it makes you think. I went to church yesterday. First time in ages. I really did enjoy it an awful lot. I hope that I can go every Sunday. Wish I was back with Bena going to church. I know we would enjoy it so much.
Jan. 3, 1943: They were supposed to have gone to Bizerta today. The weather was bad at the target and they didn’t get to take off though. Our ship was out and we couldn’t have gone anyway. Tonite, about 6, I was lying in bed when the siren went off. I got up and got outside the hotel. About that time you could see anti-aircraft going up. Then I saw the JU-88. He bombed the field and turned away. About 8 came over & really plastered things. It was pretty to watch, but oh so dangerous. They hit the field this time. Anti-aircraft hit one ’cause you could see him smoking going away. It was the first raid I’ve ever seen. I was scared, but I stood outside and watched it.
