Letter 9 - Phrases and Definitions
Nor’easter: A nor'easter is a synoptic-scale extratropical cyclone in the western North Atlantic Ocean. (common in Boston where Charlie grew up) The name comes from the direction of the winds that blow from the northeast.
Bude, Cornwall: A seaside town in Northeast Cornwall. The Army Rangers trained here in preparation for D-Day.
K-Rations: Individual, daily combat rations introduced into the army during WW2. The story Charlie tells Audrey about Ration Bars was taken from stories Hannie’s grandpa Virl used to tell her about Hershey’s special tropical recipe Ration Bars.
Cornish Wrasslin: A form of wrestling established in Cornwall for centuries, going clear back to the Celts. It’s claimed to be the oldest sport in the British Isles. Many words we use every day derive from Cornish wrestling—grappling, stickler, top dog, etc.
Here’s an interesting documentary video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fRgjwylTLo
Christmas Jubilee: was the War Department Service Division and Armed Forces Radio Service Christmas program. Radio held a special place in the hearts of men and women serving during WW2. It served as a form of entertainment and a link back home. Short-waved radios were supplied to inform, educate and entertain troops at home and abroad.
Here’s an interesting article: https://www.colorado.edu/amrc/sites/default/files/attached-files/Eelibuj%20The%20Jubilee%20Story%20.pdf
AFRS: Acronym for Armed Forces Radio Service.
Bing: Bing Crosby was a famous entertainer who was heavily involved in the entertainment of WWII troops. Unable to serve in active duty, Crosby’s wartime shows totaled more than seventy between December 7, 1941 and August 15, 1945. There were many ways to serve one’s country during the war, and Bing certainly did his part, using his pipes to entertain and comfort troops all over the world.
“I’ll Be Home for Christmas”: written by Kim Gannon and composed by Walter Kent, this well-loved Christmas song, was recorded by Bing Crosby who scored a top-ten hit with it 1943. The song was originally written to honor the troops serving overseas that Christmas, and certainly captured the “longing for to be home for the holidays” spirit of that, and many Christmas seasons to come.