21st July 1944 – American forces land on Guam, the largest and southernmost of the Marianas Islands, in the western Pacific. Eventually almost 55,000 US troops are landed here while the Japanese have a defensive force of nearly 20,000. The Battle of Guam lasts until 10th August, with fierce fighting and 7,500 Japanese are still at large on the island after it had been secured for the Allies.
Eric Brewer was actually having a bit of a holiday - his diary for the 21st July says "At rest camp - taking it easy" and on 22nd: "Still there. Visit beach, went to Paclam" (sic). In letters home (dated the 20th) he writes: "Well at last I am at the rest camp for three days and enjoying it. You can do what you want to do and there is also a cinema, a theatre, games and writing room...I have even sent my washing to the local laundry here, which is run by French girls" "Doing nothing as usual and enjoying my rest at this new camp. Went for a bath this morning and the pictures last night and expect to try horse riding tomorrow." Later he wrote "slowly getting quite used to this French language but about the only thing I can't get used to is the lack of pubs, and cafes with nothing to eat in the place." (Extracts from Eric Brewer’s diary and letters included by kind permission of Derek Brewer and his family.)
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