Dates: 1944-1945.
Size: 0.33 cubic ft.

Biography:
Charles Manton Broad

Charles Manton Broad was born on January 3, 1906, in Springfield, Missouri, to William A. Broad and Mrs. A.J. McGregor.  He was raised in the Biloxi-Ocean Springs area and attended Biloxi High School. At Mississippi State University, he pursued an Engineering degree in 1927 and 1928 where he was a member of the Gulf Coast Club, George Rifles Company, and Engineering Club.  He also attended Georgia Tech in 1928.

In May 1938, Charles Manton Broad married Octavia McLean Dyer Broad (b. March 18, 1912 – d. March 12, 1996), of Lexington, Holmes County. She was the daughter of Anita Watson and William Lansdale Dyer who served as Mayor of Lexington and was a State Senator.  Charles and Octavia had three children: Charles Manton, Jr., Octavia Dyer, and Anne Lansdale.  Charles began his utility career in 1928 in Arizona, but returned to Mississippi in 1934 to serve in various utility industry positions across the state.

On November 15, 1932, Charles served as Private First Class, Infantry, in the United States Army, and he appointed Second Lieutenant by May 11, 1939. During World War II, he commanded the 1133rd Engineer Combat Group through campaigns in both the Atlantic and Southwest Pacific Theaters.  He retired with rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Active in civic and professional organizations, Charles held positions in the Southern Gas Association and the American Gas Association, and served as a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, the Sales Executives Club, the Public Utilities Advertising Association, and the Jackson Country Club.  After World War II, he resided in Jackson, Hinds County, and worked as a Combustion Engineer. By 1952 he was named general sales manager for Mississippi Valley Gas, and then became vice president in 1957, a position he held until his death on December 24, 1968.  He was buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, in Lexington, Holmes County, Mississippi.

 

Scope and Content Note:

These World War II letters written by Lieutenant Colonel Charles Manton Broad, Commanding Officer of the 1133rd Engineer Combat Group, when stationed in Germany, France, and Manila span from December 1944 through November 1945.  He writes to his wife, Octavia McLean Dyer Broad, and to his children asking about home life in Jackson, Hinds County.  He also reports on activities of military personnel, his impressions on the landscape, and collecting battleship models.

 

Series Identification:

Series 1: Correspondence, 1944-1945.

Charles Manton Broad’s correspondence spans December 1944 through November 1945.  He was stationed in Germany, France, and Manila, as reflected in his letters.  Of special note will be the May 30, 1945 letter, which includes a V-mail from E.N. Harmon, Major General U.S. Army Commanding, with a commendation for Charles Manton Broad, Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Officer, 1133rd Engineer Combat Group, for the efficiency of his commanding units constructing three floating bridges across part of the Rhine River.  In his letter, Charles writes about receiving the Bronze Star, and that his unit actually build five bridges.

Most of his letters are addressed to his wife, Octavia McLean Dyer Broad, using the nickname “Occie” however, there are a few letters to his son addressed as “Brother” and to his youngest daughter Anne.  A newspaper clipping from the Daily Pacifican dated October 22, 1945 features the headline “U.S.S. Mercy Will Carry U.S. Troops, Not Japs” and accompanied correspondence in the October 1945 folder.  There are three items without dates: a v-mail instructing where to send mail; a telegram wishing Octavia a happy birthday; and a partial letter.

 

Box List:

Box 1

Folder 1: December 29, 1944
Folder 2: January 1945
Folder 3: February 1945
Folder 4: March 1945
Folder 5: April 1945
Folder 6: May 1945
Folder 7: June 1945
Folder 8: July 1945
Folder 9: August 1945
Folder 10: September 1945
Folder 11: October 1945
Folder 12: November 1945
Folder 13: No date