The biggest rumor of the month was begun on November 21 by the announcement that there was a shortage of cigarettes and that their sale would be limited to combat personnel. Later in the week why there was a rumor or report that there would be none for combat men either. This immediately set off an intense amount of "griping" on the part of men who smoke. They had read and heard that there was a shortage of cigarettes in the United States but everyone was surprised that there were not plenty for troops over- seas. The orders concerning the cigarettes were changed several times in the last week of November and the first week of December. Actually, group personnel were without cigarettes for only one week. Later, it was announced that ground personnel would be al- lowed to buy two packs per week. (When the time came, however, they were allowed to buy the full ration). In the meantime, those who do not smoke had numerous requests for their rations from those who do smoke, and some men began to "roll their own". Some of those, who had to have their cigarettes "tailor made" were re- duced to buying British cigarettes, which our confirmed smokers do not like and which are very expensive because of the high war time taxation in England. (A package of 20 costs 40 or 50 cents a pac- kage.) Another shortage was emphasized when it was announced in the Stars and Stripes that only combat officers would be allowed to make purchases of clothing at the Post Exchange in London. Later, the restriction was explicitly stated to apply to the travelling PX as well. Those buying would have certificates that they needed

the articles. This caused some consternation, and also some re- sentment among ground officers against flying men. It had not been easy to buy clothing during the summer and fall, especially for the men who needed unusual sizes. The PX in London was always jammed from the time it opened in the morning, some articles were lack- ing, and the size range was very limited. The officers in this Group were told not to take too many clothes overseas, that they could get what they might need after they arrived. Many of them are now finding that their original wardrobe is wearing out and some of them, who have asked their families to send them shirts or other articles are finding that stocks in the United States are depleted. It was announced late in the month that sales of clo- thing to ground officers will probably be resumed after the first of the year. Thanksgiving was observed on November 23 in the traditional Army manner of serving turkey for dinner, although the dinner was not as elaborate as it usually is at Army posts in the United States. Dehydrated sweet potatoes were served for the first time here and didn't taste very much like the real thing. Cranberry sauce and hard candy were also on the tables. The Aero Club held open house in the late afternoon and evening, with a rather lavish buffet prepared. Officers as well as enlisted men were welcome and civ- ilian guests were invited. Some men heard the broadcast of the program of appreciation held in Albert Hall, London, in the even- ing. Flying personnel were ordered to take a Sulfadiazine tablet each day, in order to counteract respiratory ailments. A roster was checked. Despite a rumor that the tablets contained saltpeter, the men took them and it was seen that they had a salutary effect.