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Being Made Here in India In New York City it's "shirts by Sulka." On the West Coast "suits from Phelps-Terkel" lend a certain amount of distinction, but in this theater it's going to be "clothes by the S.O.S.," the poor man's Hart Schaffner and Marx! A long time ago Maj. Gen. R. A. Wheeler, the S.O.S.'s big boss, conceived the idea that a lot of vital shipping space could be saved by manufacturing clothing for our troops here in India. He summoned Lt. W. A. Thomason, who graduated B.S. in Textiles from North Carolina Stat and took his "Masters" at the Philadelphia Quartermaster depot. General Wheeler, being broadminded decided to overlook the Philadelphia Depot famous for the circus tent drape, for making blouses that looked like inverted zoot suits and that offered the freedom of the old-fashioned straight jacket. He told young Thomason to go ahead and make plans for clothing manufacture. Everybody said it couldn't be done, of course. There was the question of Indian labor, the great range of American sizes, the new methods of workmanship required, the U.S. specifications, weaves, weights and special finishes not familiar to this country. Thomason promptly scouted around for some help and picked up Sgt. William J. Gilmore, for seven years in the textile business back home. The two of them went to work and were able to report that their first Indian-made American-style uniforms will be ready for delivery in about six weeks. One of the problems encountered was that of shirt sizes. America has 34 while here in India they make seven. A compromise of 21 sizes was reached. All other problems have now been solved with the exception of zippers for field jackets. These will undoubtedly have to be imported. According to Thomason "the general standard of the clothing will be about the same as our own." GREETINGS FROM GENERAL STILWELL The main purpose of this paper is to keep the command informed of what is going on at home and in the other theaters of war. We are a long way out, the mail is slow, and all censors are crabs, so the Roundup should help materially to fill in the gaps. It's your paper, so feel free to contribute to it if you have a gripe, write a letter to the editor if you can run the paper better than he can, tell him so, but watch out that he doesn't put you on the This is a good chance for me to say to all of you that I am proud to have such a gang to work with. I know what you all want - some action - and I am doing my best to make it come out that way. Meanwhile, we've got to have patience and continue to build up what you have already started so well now - a reputation for efficiency, energy, and good behavior. Remember that we are not at home; we are guests in foreign lands, among people whose customs and traditions are radically different from ours but not, for that reason, necessarily wrong. We can learn a lot from them. We must all remember that we are constantly under observation as representatives of the United States of America and it should be our ambition to leave behind us the impression that we have lived up to what is expected from us in that capacity, both by our Allies and our own people. I know you'll do it. Best of luck, and a good send-off for the Roundup. J. W. STILWELL HERE ARE OUR NEW ROUNDUP DEADLINES We were all wet on our previous deadlines, so here's the new schedule: All copy must be in by Monday night for the following Thursday's paper. All pictures must be in by Sunday night for the following Thursday's paper. Include your own full name and rank with your copy and pictures. Use full names, grades and ranks in your stories and picture captions. YOU MAY MAIL ROUNDUP HOME The Roundup may be mailed home as precensored matter, according to word received from Lt. Col. E. E. White, theater postal officer. This paper has been precensored and approved by G-2 thereby complying with regulations as outlined by White. You should put the paper in a sealed envelope in order that it will pass free as first class mail. OFFICER DIES IN NEW DELHI Lieut. Walter E. Hance, 31, commissioned from the ranks only a few weeks ago, was buried with full military honors in New Delhi, Monday. "His death was accidental," was the report of military authorities. Hance, who leaves a wife and one small son at Hamilton Field, California, had served in the Army for 12 years. He had been promoted from Master Sergeant to First Lieutenant in Ordnance. | |||||||||
NO DUTY ON OUR BOOTY The time has come, the private said, To talk of many things. Of gripes and growls and Kashmir Shawls And duty and everything We're from a land so vast and rich It almost stupefies Us all to find at Christmas time We're up against a hitch. We want to send, between us guys, Presents to our girl friends Without some stuffy Treasury guy Charging any stipends. (Apologies to Lewis Carroll) |
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GET YOUR HAND OUT OF THERE - That's what the snake charmer is telling the lad, whose name we don't have, as he
tries to chuck the friendly little cobra under the chin.
COLONELS AT PLAY - Even colonels have their moments as witness the above. On the left is Col. Robert P. Williams, theater surgeon; grinning like the cat who swallowed the canary is Col. C. C. Fenn, Judge Advocate for the theater; while on the right, wearing the modest upper is, we believe, Col. R. A. Osmun. Don't recognize the gent with his back turned to the camera. |
VETERAN GOING HOME - Mr. Sgt. Frank A. Marek, being wheeled by Lt. Ethel M. Burkholder, is being returned to the States for physical disability following his duties in Rangoon and on the Burma Road. He went over the road with the first American convoy and worked with the American demolition squad in Rangoon. |
BEHOLD THE KING - Neptunis Rex really came into his own on the Brazil when the ship crossed the Equator. Neophytes were hosed down and eggs were thrown. |
MORE TROOPS than you can count on your fingers and toes boarded the Good Ship Brazil at an Atlantic port a long time ago. Later the ship docked in India. |
WHAT, NO DHOBIES? - There being no dhobies nor rocks to beat clothes on, the boys did their laundry by towing it behind the ship. Quite a wake! |
THIS IS A SHORT PICTORIAL DISSERTATION ON THAT WONDERFUL BRAZIL TRIP FROM HOME. IT WAS LIKE A CRUISE TO HAWAII OH YEAH! |
IT WAS A COZY VOYAGE what with the portholes always closed at night and plenty of room to stretch in. This was on the second night. Thumbs are still up. |
THE PUNCTURE SQUAD worked overtime all the way across. The nurses were lovely indeed but needle jabbing is no aide to romance. |
GUNNERY PRACTICE - The grim side of the voyage came when the gunnery crews would unlimber their weapons and cut loose with target practice. In the distance can be seen another vessel in the convoy. No chances were taken - All U.S.A. Signal Corps photos. |
UNCLE JOE STILWELL brings home the biscuits! During the trek out of Burma the R.A.F. dropped biscuits and bully beef for Lt. General Stilwell and his party
as they floated down the Uyu River on a raft. The general (Uncle Joe to his men) was one of the first over the
side and carried back his own bag like all the rest.
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THREE SHRINKING VIOLETS - were made Warrant officer Junior Grade the other day. Left to right above are George B. Stewart, Francis Grove and Fred B. Clippinger. They're all "mister" now and pulling their rank on everybody in the SOS. - T/4 Stephen Palinkas photo. |
RAJA JIVE - Raja Bikner turned his palace over to our enlisted men for a dance which probably marked the first time in history that Americans jitter-bugged on an Indian potentate's floor. A quick search of the barracks was made for tiger skins the next day, but the boys apparently resisted temptation. The gent all wrapped up in his work is S/Sgt. Stan J. Bajek. - Sgt. William F. Cox photo. |
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