WW2 Vmail letter to Pete Clentzos from his brother Philip, Feb. 28 1944

There was no real secret to the v-mail process; in fact it was simple, the soldiers wrote their letters on a form provided and it was then photographed onto microfilm which was simply flown to the USA. A reel of 16mm microfilm could contain 18,000 letters and in terms of bulk and weight the roll of film took up only a fraction of what 18,000 real letters would take. Upon arrival in the USA the letters were printed from the film and then posted onward to the addressee.

These letters were written by my uncle Philip in the months prior to his death in combat in July, 1944

Text:

Northern Ireland

Dear Pete,

I received your vmail letter of Feb. 9 and was very glad to hear from you.
It's very cold here now, and we had a bit of snow. I'm in excellent shape-- always to remain as such.
Conditions here are a bit stiff and one can't expect anything other than that. A lot different than the training in the States.
The only thing I can use is a box of candy. Something like peanut brittle. If it won't inconvenience you could you? After all,one or two candy bars a week have been nourishing us, and a bit more from good old USA will be most inviting!
Well, Pete, I'm rushed for time and later when I have more time I'll write you a lot more. My 28th birthday anniversary is April 7. Write again real real soon.
Your brother, Phil