Bing Crosby Numbers

Thursday, September 3, 1942

Wonder of Wonders! Today I got a 6-hours pass. Where to go in 6 hours? I hadn’t the faintest idea but I just wanted to get out of here. So off I went accompanied by Russo (one of the Brooklyn Russo’s) and Quigg (one of the Brooklyn Quiggs). We started walking into Irvingstown about three miles away, and when we’d walked about halfway the O.D. came along in the “Peep” and picked us up. When we got there someone suggested we go to Omagh which is about 19 miles from Irvingstown. We missed the train and ended up hiring a taxi which cost us $6. Arrived there at 4 p.m. Quigg went to his Aunt’s, Russo went to see his girl and I went to buy records. Managed to get a few Bing Crosby numbers but on the whole the selection was pretty poor. I got a much-needed haircut and then went off to have a few drinks and dinner. Met the boys at Quigg’s Aunt’s at 9 p.m. and we hired another taxi to take us back. Quigg’s girlfriend and his cousin rode back with us. Quite a girl — his cousin. The return trip cost the negligible sum of $12. I don’t know why they don’t just hold us up with a gun.

We were due back to 8 p.m. and arrived back at 11:30 and managed to sneak in. Then we sat up and played records and finished a bottle of Scotch. Went on guard at 1 a.m. At that time the German Wehrmacht could have bivouacked alongside of me and I’d never have known it.