This period can be considered a period of unemployment for our unit. Our officers set up minor projects in and around our area, such as debris cleanup and also a social hall in one of the empty buildings in the army compound. Because of my ability to converse with the local people, I was instrumental in acquiring a piano and also a phonograph player. We acquired dance music on 75 MPs, (Big Band and Jazz). Saturday evenings we sent a truck into Strasbourg and transported interested young ladies for dance and entertainment.
Another area where my Yiddish was helpful was in the kitchen. Our head chef had hired two local men to help but he had difficulty c0mmunicating. he asked for my help and worked out a deal for me. “Get up early in the morning and teach the locals how to prepare the ovens and set up the kitchen. After the first week, you work one day and have two days off to be out of the camp, in Strasbourg, if you wish”.
My time during this period was interesting but I was concerned about the family and Shirley. Our mail was erratic and the regular procedures were disrupted by the shutting down process of warfare. It’s like a car going at full speed that suddenly shuts down and you are now waiting for AAA to come and boot you up again.
