1945, January
File — Box: 1, Folder: 22
Scope and Contents
From the Collection:
The Donald C. Fraser papers consist of correspondence covering his service in World War II, from April 1941 to October 1945. These letters have been arranged chronologically and consist almost entirely of letters written to his wife. Occasionally Donald included other letters he received from family and friends for his wife to read. Also included is one letter Donald wrote to his church. Most of the letters are typed; however, some are handwritten. The envelopes are also included with the letters. In addition to these letters, Donald periodically corresponded via V-Mail. V-Mail letters were written on special forms, photographed, put on film, and then reproduced at post offices in the United States.
The letters dated April 1941 through part of December 1943 were written while Donald’s unit was in training in Montana and California. From late December 1943 through early June 1944, Donald was stationed in England, preparing for the invasion. Donald’s letters dated mid-June through early August 1944 were written mostly in Normandy and as they moved throughout France. In mid-August Donald
wrote from Belgium, and then moved into Germany, where he was mostly located for the duration of the war. After VE-Day, Donald was stationed in Kolleda, Germany and then Lampertheim, Germany until he was discharged and returned to the United States. Although censorship restrictions limited what he could say, the Fraser letters reveal how he and his fellow soldiers felt about the war and the importance they placed on victory. His letters dated June 6 and June 7, 1944 described the British citizens’ reaction to the invasion, the impressive scale of the invasion itself, and why he was fighting. As he served in England, France, Belgium, and Germany, Fraser recorded his impressions of local lifestyles and the Europeans’ reactions to liberation. In one poignant letter dated July 20, 1944, Fraser recounted the story of how French citizens of Cherbourg dealt with women who fraternized with German soldiers. In the letter dated July 31, 1944, Fraser depicted a very close encounter with what turned out to be several companies of German soldiers. In later correspondence, Fraser described his experience touring concentration camps.
While many of the letters pertain to Fraser’s war experiences, they also contain a great deal of personal information. Donald was not able to keep letters he received from his wife, but he did answer her specific questions. It is apparent that she asked for advice on everything from work in the abstract business to keeping the family car in good condition. Donald and Irene obviously had a very close relationship. He often addressed the letters “Dear Pal,” or “Dearest Irene,” and closed with “Love, Your old man Don.” These letters are loving, playful, wistful, and supportive.
Through these letters, Donald and Irene also discussed local and national politics. The 1944 election posed significant problems; Donald revealed the soldiers’ frustrations as they decided how to handle the absentee soldier vote. His letters disclosed that he was a registered Republican and enthusiastic Wendell Willkie supporter.
Since family members needed a written request in order to send packages to soldiers, Donald devoted several paragraphs to listing items he would like to receive. Donald also collected many artifacts throughout England, France, Belgium, and Germany. In these letters, he often listed everything he had been sending home so that Irene would know if the censors were removing them. He collected coins and paper currency, patches and pins from German uniforms, bottles of perfume and alcohol, and many other items. He also filmed his surroundings and sent them home.
These letters are a prime source for researching World War II from the soldier’s perspective. They reveal insight into daily life, major operations, and the stress war places on families.
Dates
- 1941-1945
Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.
Extent
From the Collection: 1 Linear Feet (1 linear feet.)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Creator
- From the Collection: Fraser, Donald C., 1913-1973. (Person)
- From the Collection: Fraser, Irene, 1910-2001. (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Institute for Regional Studies Repository
Contact:
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu