Cpl. Roy Dandridge

1st Bn. Middlesex Regt.

British Army 

To Officers and Men of U.S.S. ESSEX 

          I should have written  this letter  to you some  days ago, but  owing

to  the rate of  movement, and excitement of getting out of Japan,  I had no

time.  I am an ex  P.W.  from Camp No.1 B Tokyo,  and I am writing this

letter in appreciation for the things you boys did for the men in  that camp

We shall never forget the V.F. 83rd  (the Fighting 83rd).  They were

the first planes to find the camp and from then onward, they did all in their

power to make to make the waiting of our release, as an enjoyable time as

possible.  You had us in tears, the first day you came, we were glad to see

you.  The way  you zoomed around the camp, coming  in so low, we  were

afraid you would  hit the roof,  and did  we  get a  kick out of that.  For the

cigarettes, candy,  gum and books,  that you dropped,  there are not  words

in which to express our profound gratitude, all we can say, "Boys, We thank

you from the bottom of our hearts." Of  all the receptions  I have had in the

past  month,  none will  be  cherished  more in  my  memory,  than your air

display  over  the  camp,  you certainly raised  us  up,  although our morale

had been good all through our P. W. life, 3 years 8 months.  

You did great work during the war (you had us a bit scared a couple

of times).   I would like you to know,  the Japs were more afraid of

 you "Small Boys", than the B-29.        

   Well, here's to you, may you carry on the good work,

 

Good Luck and Happy Landings,

Yours Sincerely,

Cpl. Roy Dandridge