The "Apprehensive" Week

This week was one of the busy week for me, Mark, and for my group members, because many recruits had to live in tents and use temporary facilities. They also endured shortages. New draftees were initially send to a reception center, where they were given physical exams and injections against smallpox and typhoid. That time the draftees were issued uniforms, boots, and whatever equipment was available. The clothing bore the label "G.I.," meaning "Government Issue," which is why we the American soldiers were called "GIs." After taking aptitude tests, recruits were sent to basic training for eight weeks. We learned how to handle weapons, load backpacks, read maps, pitch tents, and dig trenches.

On August 23, we were informed by our American army leader that the German bombers bombed London, the British capital. This attack on civilians enraged the British, who responded by bombing Berlin the following night. The first time in the war, bombs fell on the German capital. that time our leader were making us ready so if the Britain need help we can go and help them. After few minutes our American leader gave us the news about Hitler that, he has ordered the Luftwaffe to stop its attacks on British military targets and to concentrate on bombing London. It put many lives in danger and everyone was scared. Most people thought that they world die. Even i thought i will died when i go to the war. It severely frightened billions of innocent people. Finally, We the "US" responded with the lend leases Act, which is where we would sell guns and ammunition to our Allies.

Although the Royal Air Force was greatly outnumbered, our American leader tell us that the British had one major technology called "radar". By placing the radar stations along its (British) coast, they were able to detect incoming German aircraft and direct their fighters to intercept them. Then days after days with the ability to detect aircraft, the British fighters caused more losses on the German than they suffered. And with the skills of few hundred pilots, they (British) saved themselves from invasion when (on October 12, 1940) Hitler cancelled the invasion of Britain. Their success in saving their country now could be a turning point for the war, since its already the first failure of German war machine.

Thus our week ended up with dealing up with tensions about the event known as Battle of Britain. It mainly is seen as Germany's attempt to gain air superiority over England so that they could launch a seaborne attack again England. Most of the time we were attending meeting and conferences about the battle.Moreover, We were being trained, to go to help Britain in case if they would need it. However,even with less army, British were still able to win the war decimate Germany's air force with the help of their technology such as radar. And finally today i along with my fellow soldiers feel so calm and rested after Britain's victory against Germany.

_ Mark