Compiled June 2016 by Frank Borror

Marg Creek recently gave the Historical Society a diary written by her late brother-in-law, Bob Wagner during World War II. Bob was a senior in East Peoria High School and was given the assignment of composing a diary by his English teacher, Mrs. Virginia Harris. It commences on February 2, 1942, only fifty seven days after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, and gives insight into early WWII from the perspective of a teenager. Excerpts from the diary follow:

Monday, February 2, 1942 – American troops landed in Ireland….the first Am. Expeditionary force of this war.

Tuesday, February 3, 1942 – People are becoming conscientious about tire rationing with the current rubber shortage. Fewer cars are seen on the streets and less fast driving. Most grocery stores have limited the purchase of sugar to 2 lbs. Also, many gasoline stations have agreed to remain open only from 7 A.M ‘til 7 P.M.

Monday, February 9, 1942 – Ted Panish, our assistant coach, left yesterday to become an instructor of physical education for the U.S. Navy. The entire nation moved its clocks up an hour as we changed to war time….supposed to conserve considerable electricity.

Sunday, February 15, 1942 – It was a blow for us as the Allied Powers announce today the fall of Singapore.

Monday, February 16, 1942 – Draft registration for all men 20 to and including 44 years of age was held today. No school, as the building was used as a place for the men to register.

Monday, February 23, 1942 – President Roosevelt spoke to the nation tonight, telling the people how they must help in our great war.

Thursday, March 5, 1942 – …. told not a single pound of rubber would be available for tires for civilians. Ideas for tires made from leather, stuffed canvas, and wood are being worked on.

Monday, March 9, 1942 – The fall of Bandoeng (Java) to the Japanese invaders was announced today. British troops are abandoning Rangoon, Burma.

Tuesday, March 10, 1942 – The government froze the prices of pork today. …. Muslims in India further complicated the Allied war effort in the Pacific today by threatening revolt.

Wednesday, March 11, 1942 – Prime Minister Churchill of England reaffirmed the pledge of freedom for India after the war.

Sunday, March 15, 1942 – George P. McNear, president of the T. P. and W. railroad, asked the War Labor Board today to arrange immediately for the enforcement of law and order, or else arrange for the government to take over the railroad. The War Production Board has ordered a 20% reduction in gas deliveries to filling stations.

Tuesday, March 17, 1942 – General Douglas MacArthur has arrived in Australia to assume command of the United Nations forces on the Pacific war front. Classification of nine million more American men was begun tonight with the first draft lottery.

Saturday, March 21, 1942 – Pres. Roosevelt today ordered government seizure and operation of the T.P. and W. Railroad. In such an emergency we cannot have strikes and labor disputes tying up important industries. An uprising of native tribes in New Guinee was reported today, making the defense of that island more difficult.

Tuesday, March 24, 1942 – Organized labor groups are asked to voluntarily suspend overtime payment for Sundays and holidays.

Wednesday, March 25, 1942 – Beginning today is a statewide speed limit of 40 mph…at the request of President Roosevelt and by the order of Governor Green.

Sunday, March 29, 1942 – Today, England offered India a plan for Dominican rule after the war. We hope she accepts, but you can’t blame her for being a little upset. She should have been granted home-rule long before this.

Wednesday, April 1, 1942 – Because of the tin shortage in this country, no one will be able to buy anything that comes in collapsible tubes without giving an old one in trade.

Friday, April 3, 1942 – The British have been forced to abandon Prome, the key to Burma oil fields. Enemy aliens are being sent from the coasts to internment camps provided for them.

Wednesday, April 8, 1942 – Construction of private buildings has been ordered to cease unless permission is granted by the government.

Thursday, April 9, 1942 – The fall of Bataan to the enemy came today.

Friday, April 10, 1942 – Foundry workers at the new Ford Willow Run airplane factory today refused to work unless Colonel Lindbergh’s name was withdrawn from the payroll. (Because of Charles Lindbergh accepting the German Eagle medal from Hermann Goering three years earlier and his stand against entering the war prior to Pearl Harbor his patriotism was doubted)

Thursday, April 16, 1942 – I spaded garden again tonight until it began raining and I had to stop. Almost everyone has been out in the sunshine lately making his “victory” garden.

Friday, April 17, 1942 – A two-day campaign to gather scrap metal in Peoria and vicinity was launched today by the Peoria Ad Club. Funds from the sale of the scrap will be turned over to charitable war organizations.

Monday, April 27, 1942 – Today registration was held for all men from 44 to and including 65 years of age. These men may be assigned to non-combatant service, which will release younger men for fighting.

Monday, May 4, 1942 – The first nationwide rationing of this war affecting everyone, began today. Pres. Roosevelt gave the Office of Defense Transportation full authority to limit and regulate the use of all vehicles traveling on rubber tires.

Tuesday, May 5, 1942 – It was announced today that the Japs have pushed across the Chinese border after driving up the Burma Road. Loss of the Burma Road is considered by our government authorities as the greatest loss of the war.

Wednesday, May 6, 1942 – Corregidor surrendered today after twenty-eight days of heavy enemy attacks.

Saturday, May 9, 1942 – The big naval battle in the Pacific (Battle of the Coral Sea) came to an end today and it was quite an Allied victory. We showed the Japs it wouldn’t be so easy to invade Australia (Although a tactical victory for Japan, it was the first engagement of the war that the Allies held their own).

Sunday, May 10. 1942 – What are the ladies going to do now? The government has restricted the length of women’s nightgowns and ordered there shall be no more frills or finery. Also prohibited are ruffles, all–over pleating or tucking, full sleeves, and excessive lengths or sweeps.

Monday, May 11, 1942 – The United States has confirmed today that Army planes raided Tokyo three weeks ago…the first real good news of the war. (Doolittle Raid with B-24s on April 18)

Tuesday, May 12, 1942 – A big battle is raging in Crimea with the Nazi’s first spring offensive being halted by the Russians. It would be a big step toward the end of the war if the Russians can hold Hitler’s armies back through the summer.

By the graduation of the following class, twenty-three of Bob’s classmates were in uniform.