Up until now, it seems that Dart’s boot camp has consisted primarily of marching, cleaning and painting things. Now, he writes in great detail about the actual warship training he’s received. He describes the very complex system of relaying and receiving verbal orders on board ship during battle conditions. They used live ammunition in actual 20 mm anti-aircraft cannons while battle sounds were blasted into their brains via headsets. While it was a thrilling exercise, there were multiple opportunities for human error and Dart’s crew took full advantage of those to accidently “shoot down” a friendly aircraft.

Next, he learned about night spotting of ships on a dark horizon at sea. There’s a real trick to that, but Dart seemed to do okay with it.

Now, it’s back to cleaning in preparation for a quarters inspection in the morning. He’s in the mood to write more, but duty calls.

Dot’s note is a brief but enthusiastic thank you note for the beautiful locket Dart sent for her birthday. “I love them – both the giver and the gift – and shall cherish them close to my heart all of my life.” I remember that locket from my childhood,  still  containing the photos he’d placed there when he mailed it to her. Sadly, it was lost when someone broke into my parents’ home and stole Mom’s jewelery box. None of the items there had any real value to the thief, but held great sentimental value for Dot. I still feel a sad little pang when I think of that senseless break-in.

She’s overjoyed to hear that his leave is coming up so quickly, but she’s kicking herself for not staying in Cleveland to get a job. She reminds him that if his family wants to get rid of him before his leave is up (unlikely!), he’d be welcomed in Greenwich with open arms. By the way, the key is under the mat, but the door is never locked. (Ah, the simplier times!)