War Diaries (June 27) (nonfiction)
Previous: June 26 - Next: June 28
Diaries
Frederick J. Longe: June 27, 1943
This morning I attended the first mass in my life in which I took an interest to a rather high degree. I do feel shameful that during my church going life there was very little interest in the mass itself, but due to certain events I believe my disinterest was partly justified.
This morning at 0800 mass was held on the forecastle o f another destroyer. The “altar” was underneath the barrel o f a 5” gun as was the chaplain. To some this would not be impressive, but to myself it was one of the most impressive sights that I have ever witnessed. Perhaps it was the symbolism o f “This is God’s war”. Whatever it was it made me realize that there must really be a greatness in a mass which could be said under any and all circumstances.
Tomorrow I am going to confession and then to communion. This will be my first time in quite some time and it will be most gratifying to know that I can face the forthcoming events with both clarity of mind and conscience. This may perhaps sound very trivial to some, but to me it is a matter of utmost importance.
- Diary of Frederick J. Longe (PDF) - service aboard USS Wilkes DD-441, anti-submarine/convoy escort duties
George Beck: June 27, 1944
Taken by ambulance from the billet to the hospital. In terrible pain and sick all over. The chef refused to take me down in is car, said he had other use for his petrol, the dog.
—George Beck,1st Battalion The Duke of Wellington's Regiment, prisoner of war (diary)
