I am reading a novel set in Naples during the Allied occupation at the end of WWII. There are various references to "pro stations" and I would like to know if anyone can tell me what this refers to? I am assuming that pro are the initials for something but I cannot figure out what. I have searched all the web sites I can find on "military terms" but with no luck.

I am hoping that someone can help me on this one.

Thanks.

Richard Stephens in Spain

Welcome to the forum After.

That is a new one for me. In what context was it used. Referencing defenses, weapons, entertainment, billeting, etc.?

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American by birth, TEXAN by the grace of GOD!

Just as I suspected but wanted to provide facts so I found an excerpt found on fourth paragraph under "more on North Africa" Hope this helps.

"While on exams, I can say the army blew hot and cold on sex for soldiers. The problem was not morals, it was VD. Soldiers were issued condoms and “pro-kits,” and a very unromantic assortment of ointments or solutions which the soldier was supposed to inject up his penis after sex. There were “Pro” stations around town were he could go for this purpose. Many did not use them and many came down with VD, but Africa was nothing compared to Italy when we got there."

http://yourstorysite.com/stories/Mil...teMilitary.htm

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American by birth, TEXAN by the grace of GOD!

A classic non-fiction book about this place and period is Norman Lewis' brilliant 'Naples '44' ( Collins, 1978 ).

This is Norman Lewis the renowned travel writer who, during the war, was in the Field Security Police attached to the American Fifth Army.The book is more social- than military-history.

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"Stand by to pull me out of the seat if I get hit" - Guy Gibson

Thanks for your help, guys.
It all clicks now. I am sure that PzJgr has cleared it up for me. It all makes sense in context now.
The novel, btw, is "The Gallery" by John Horne Burns. I discovered it by accident and am thanking my luck. It is set in North Africa and Naples and is wonderfully written. The only book he wrote worth reading before dying young from alcoholism.
Thanks for the Norman Lewis tip, Martin. I will look it up.
A fascinating period for us who are too young to remember it. Pity all those values seem to have blown away on the winds of time.

You're welcome. The challenge is for those of us here to keep everybody straight and help keep the values alive and going. Happy posting. [img]graemlins/salute.gif[/img]

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American by birth, TEXAN by the grace of GOD!

A self-medicating kit for injecting stuff up your eurethera after sex!!!!!

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PEOPLE SLEEP PEACEABLY IN THEIR BEDS AT NIGHT ONLY BECAUSE ROUGH MEN STAND READY TO DO VIOLENCE ON THEIR BEHALF. GEORGE ORWELL

And they wonder why they were not used.

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American by birth, TEXAN by the grace of GOD!