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[Philip L]

My father, Norman Lock, was in the Royal Navy during WW2. There is an entry in my father's 1943 Diary under 3rd of October 1943. Had a record made at U.S.O. which they are sending home. This is in Photo 5. Does anyone know what a record made at U.S.O is?

I have included 4 other 1943 Diary entries as they may be of interest in relation to the amount paid in American dollars and a trip to Washington, USA while on leave.

Philip L

[Philip L]

I did do a Google search in the past but did not find anything. But this time I entered, Record made at USO WW2, and a lot of information came up.

From what I understand so far. During WW2, the USO enabled service members in the USA to record 1minute messages on to 5 inch or 78rpm Voice letter record to send home. Often produced in partnership with companies like Pepsi Cola, these letters on record were recorded in booths and mailed to loved ones.

I have read that in England they were known as Voices of the Forces. But I do not know anything about that at this time. Does anyone know about this in Britain or the Royal Navy outside of the USA?

USA Social welfare organizations formed the United Service Organization (USO) in February 1941 (non for profit). Many USO clubs popped up across the USA with many volunteers. I have a post card, which my father collected in the USA, showing the type of thing that was going on.

Philip L