Letter 80 From Great Malvern, England - Mail sent through U.S. Army Electronics Gorup - This, and the following letters, were sent after Edward Martin was officially in the U.S. Army,  but he was reassigned to the Telecommunications Research Establishment, a British unit that came under the Air Ministry.  Since these are V-Mail  letters, some will show two dates. The earliest date shown is the date the letter was written, with the second date being the date that the letter was printed from the film that was shipped via air to New York.
August 31, 1942
 
V-Mail Form
No. 383514
TO: Mrs. E.L. Martin
    1032 Wakefleld Ave. 
    St. Paul, Minnesota		 Edward L. Martin, Jr.
Electronics Training Grp 
APO 640 US Army
c/o Postmaster, NYC

Aug. 31, 1942

Dear Mom, Dad and All:

      My CTC discharge is now fully completed and I am on duty as a Second Lieut. of Infantry assigned to the Electronics Training Group.  I am hale, hearty and still enjoying myself.  Much to my fellow officer's surprise I still have not heard any enemy planes, bombs or gunfire, for which I am knocking on wood.  I don't expect to be sent home so don't build up any false hopes on that score.
     I'll repeat my addresses so you will be sure and have them correct.

Mail:
Lt. Edward L. Martin, Jr., Inf.
Electronics Training Group
A.P.O. 640, U.S. Army
c/o Postmaster, New York City

Cables:
Lt. Edward Martin, 0299847
Ambiho Platform

     I have made a substantial monthly allottment in Dad's name, the first payment of which will reach you in November.  From this, pay Art whatever is due him and invest the balance for me as you see fit, savings account or bonds.  I am also buying one defense bond a month the receipt for which will reach you monthly, the bonds being retained at the treasury for me.  Dad is listed as co-owner of the bonds.  I have also taken out an Insurance policy with Dad as beneficiary which will also be mailed to you.  Keep a file of all my papers, receipts, etc, and a record of all transactions made in my name.
     Send me the following insignia air mail.  You can get it at Rothschild's.  3 pairs embroidered gold bars, 4 pairs intantry crossed-rifle insignia, 4 pair US insignia, 1 Officers style web belt (trousers), 1 rain cover off my old dress cap (if you can find it).
     You might send regular Parcel Post my Sam Browne belt and a dressing gown if they'll let you send one.
     Inquire about writing this "V" mail way and save postage.  It's just as quick as air mail.  Tell George to write me and let me know his address and I'll write him occasionally when I get fully settled.  The military censorship is very strict so I won't be able to write any more of those long descriptive letters I used to, not being able to mention my work, where I am, or where I move around to is quite a handicap to turning out a good letter.  Lorna bade me to send her regards to you all in her last letter (I haven't seen her in two months now, but we continue to correspond).  I never did get those cigarettes you sent along, but I got all the rest of the packages okay and sure enjoyed the Bakers Chocolate.  Will send you my picture in my new uniform when I get a chance to have it taken.  Guess that's all I can think of for the present, so Cheerio for now, and I'll try to be more regular with my mail now that I can settle down once more.

Love to all,

Bob