If you'd rather place an order by talking to one of our cheerful order desk clerks, please call 1-888-232-4444 (USA and Canada only) or 250-383-6864. From Europe, ring our UK order desk clerk at local rate number 0845 230 9601 (UK only) or 44 (0)1865 722 113.

Her Last Letter

by Michael Dalton

161 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #04-2250; ISBN 1-4120-4442-1; US$16.75, C$19.26, EUR13.76, £9.63

I am very placid about tomorrow (D-Day) But I'm very upset about your being mad at me. Darling what did I say or do?... (D+1) Yes! The skipper says we are ordered in. Must leave you doll.

Read more!

About the Book

About the Author

Excerpts

Reviews

Catalogue Information

About the Book

This is a story of a love that began, not at first sight but on a first date - five-and-a-half years later. During those five and a half years there were at least seven chances that this meeting would never take place - one, just two hours before. But the meeting took place and a great love flourished only to be married a year and a half later - by gossip. This is a true story. Nearly all proper names are intact. Every incident is factual. The story also contains the history of a U.S. Naval Construction (Seabee) Battalion, from the time of its formation up to D-Day on an island in thr Pacific. It also depicts life in the Panama Canal Zone during WWII.

---

About the Author

I am a 91-year-old retired structural engineer. While working in Panama on the design of the proposed 3rd locks, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. I then joined the Navy Seabees. Following WWII I spent my career on the design of industrial plants. I have seven children, 26 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

---

Excerpts

(Chicago, Dec. 1939) Strange that I should meet her the day before I leave town. Well, I'll never see her again.

(Canal Zone, Apr. 1943 - He was sworn into the Navy, and on his way to camp he made a two day stop in Chicago - to see his father.) Gee, I'd like to have a date tonight. Tomorrow I'll be out of here and God only knows if I'll ever be back.

(Camp Peary, Virginia, July 1943) Yes, I too have often said to myself, "I won't marry until this war is over." But I have changed my thinking. First the Seabees are not a combat outfit,...they go in after an area is secured...We will only have a five day honeymoon...He waved, threw one last kiss, ducked into the car and was gone.

(From N.A.S. Honolulu, Oct. 1944) The Battalion is going to be attached to the Fourth Marine Division - unloading cargo on the beach, and when the area is secure, we will get into construction.

(Dec. 1944) I received your letter of the 23rd. I can't understand why you sounded so upset and angry.

(Jan. 1945) I am Troop Commander aboard this LSM, with 40 Seabees and eight Marines under me...I keep asking myself, "What did I do or say to upset you so much?" A small boat delivered mail at 1600. There were about 35 letters for my men, but nothing for me. Darling, I feel so terribly hurt. I want to believe that my mail has been misdirected, or should I believe that?

(Feb. 1945) I am very placid about tomorrow (D-Day) But I am very upset about your being mad at me. Darling what did I say or do?...(D+1) Yes! The Skipper says we are ordered in. Must leave you doll.

---

Reviews

---

Catalogue Information

---