Have you ever wondered how soldiers received mail during World War II? It was a complicated process and eventually, a massive backlog of mail developed. By February 1945 warehouses in Birmingham, England were stuffed with millions of undelivered letters and packages. Incorrect addresses and common names further complicated the backlog. There were over 7,500 pieces of mail addressed to Robert Smith alone.
This excess caused a huge problem. The army noticed that soldiers who didn’t get mail tended to suffer emotionally. Families who hadn’t heard from loved ones for months were discouraged. The morale of the troops began to suffer, and it affected their performance on the battlefield. What was the solution?
Enter the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. This battalion was composed entirely of African-American women who fought for the right to help their country during the war. These women received 4-6 weeks of basic training and another twelve weeks of specialist training. They came to England after enduring a harrowing water crossing, dodging Nazi U-Boats. When they arrived, they survived an attack at the dock when a German V-1 rocket exploded.
After arriving, the women got to work. They worked in harsh conditions with little heat, and rat-infested warehouses. Working around the clock in shifts they cleared the six-month backlog in three months. They processed more than 65,000 pieces of mail per shift. Their motto became “no mail, low morale.” Despite suffering from racist attacks, segregation, and poor treatment, the women rose to the occasion and became a trusted part of the military operation in Europe.
The brave women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory were vital to the war effort. Their dedication and hard work lifted the spirits of the troops and made victory possible. This story is another beautiful example of the power of mail to lift spirits. It’s history like this that makes what we do at SendOut Cards feel so important. The cards and gifts you send may not be lifting the spirits of a lonely soldier, but they still make someone feel good. We could all use a little more good in our lives. Follow the example of the brave women of the 6888th Battalion and send some mail today. Remember: “no mail, low morale”!