XII Corps Spearhead of Patton’s Third Army, Lt. Co. George Dyer, Part 1, Chapter 1, Page 51, Map No.13
Saturday – 1st July 19441
“then back on the train and through the Port; the ferry trip across the Harbor and finally boarded the S.S. Mormacmoon”.
Exchester standard C3 type hull design. Built by Ingalls Ship Building Corp., Pascagoula, Miss. Built for American Export Lines, 1940 and named Moore McCormack, then renamed Mormacmoon. In 1958 she was returned to US Government (Marad) and laid up, 1961 Wabash, 1965 Evanthie, and in 1969 she was scrapped at Hong Kong.
| Hull Number | Yard Number | Contract Number | Design | Name | Shipyard Cost Plus Fee | Commission Procurement | Facilities | Administration | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC-63 | 253 | MCc-253 | C3 | Exchester | $2,677,031 | $13,798 | $95,542 | $27,610 | $2,813,981 |
| Technical Specifications Maritime Commission Design C3 Specifications for MC-38 to 43 (Federal SB & DD CO.) Technical Specifications. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | English Units | Metric Units |
| Length – Overall | 492’0″ | 149.96 m |
| Length – Between Perpendiculars | 465’0″ | 141.73 m |
| Beam – Maximum | 96’6″ | 21.18 m |
| Draft Load Molded | 28’6″ | 8.68 m |
| Depth Weather Deck | 42’6″ | 12.95 m |
| Mast Height – Above Daseline | n/a | n/a |
| Draft – Maximum | 28’6″ | 8.68 m |
| Machinery | Turbine | |
| Designed Sea Speed | 16.5 Knots | |
| SHP – Normal | 8,500 SHP | 8,500 SHP |
| Fuel Miles | 12,700 | 12,700 |
| Deadweight Tnes | 12,527 LT | |
| Displacement Load Tons | 17,615 LT | |
| Passenger & Spares | 12 & 4 | |
| Crew | 43 & 9 | |
| Factor of Subdivision | 1 | |
| Bulkhead Deck | 2nd | |
| Bale Capacity | 730,549 Cu ft | 20,685.71 Cu m |
| Grain Capacity | 818,019 Cu ft | 23,162.45 CU m |
| Reefer Capacity | 0 Cu ft | 0 Cu m |
| Liquid Cargo Tons | 1,848 LT | |
| Fuel | 1,752 LT | |
| Number of Holds | 5 |
SS Mormacmoon, photo from ship maker, taken at completion, prior to U. S. Navy armament. Courtesy Tec/4 James W. Wingate
SS MORMACMOON2
Length, overall ~~~~~ 492′ 0″
Beam ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 69′ 6″
Draft ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 28′ 6″
Gross tons ~~~~~~~ 7,939
Speed (knots) ~~~~~~ 17
Radius (miles) ~~~~~ 3,000
Propulsion ~~~~~~~~ Turbine
Passengers ~~~~~~~ 549
Cargo (cu. ft.) ~~~~~ 548,350
Built in 1940 by Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation, Pascagoula, Miss.
Former name: EXCHESTER
Operated during World War II by Moore-McCormack Lines.
The Mormacmoon was used for nearly three years strictly as a freighter before being fitted in November 1943 to carry a limited number of troops. Typical voyages as a cargo ship were as follows: She sailed from New York in August 1942 for Durban~ Aden~ Port Sudan, Suez~ Kilindini and Cape Town. She returned, via Punta Arenas (Chile) and the Panama Canal, to New York on 6 March 1943 and a few weeks later made a trip to the Mersey and Avonmouth. Following return to Philadelphia from England she voyaged to Shatt-al-Arab and Bandar Shahpur.
Between October and early December 1943 the Mormacmoon was altered for 549 troops, by the East Coast Shipbuilding Co. at New York. She made a round trip to Barry (Wales) and Belfast~ then departed on the following seven voyages from New York during 1944:
(1) on 1 February to Barry
(2) on 28 March to Avonmouth
(3) 011 14 May to Glasgow
(4) on 2 July to Barry ~ Cardiff and Bristol
(5) on 19 August to the Mersey, Bristol and Cardiff
(6) on 6 October to Gibraltar, Marseilles and Oran
(7) on 25 November to Marseilles.
The Mormacmoon returned to New York on Christmas Eve 1944~ and during 1945 departed on voyages as follows, all from New York except one as noted
(1) on 18 January to The Solent~ Le Havre and Mumbles
(2) on 15 March to Le Havre and Newport
(3) on 10 May to Antwerp, Downs and Le Havre
(4) from Philadelphia on 6 June to Antwerp and Downs
(5) on 19 August to Marseilles~ Leghorn~ Oran and Beni Saf (Algeria)
(6) on 9 October to Genoa, Naples, Oran, Beni Saf and Marseilles;
(7) on 29 November to Istanbul (Turkey) and Constanta (Romania), with return to New York on
23 January 1946.
The ship next went to Baltimore where she underwent repairs which were completed in
May. The vessel then sailed via Philadelphia, for Scandinavian ports in normal cargo
service.
Mormacstar, sister ship of Mormacmoon with U. S. Navy armament
SS Mormacmoon Vessel Status Card3
SS Mormacmoon Fleet Status Card4
Saturday – 1st July 19445
Departed Camp Shanks, New York the Battalion P.O.E
Left Shanks, Boarded train, ferry, ship
Saturday – 1st July 1944 “HQ” Morning Report7
Aboard USAT “NY 861”
Davis (DS) 018 530 Lt. Col
Humphrey (DS) 0 254 639 Capt.
Mauger 01 169 634 1st Lt.
Above three Officers DS NYPE
New York, N.Y. to dy
Departed Camp Shanks, N.Y. via
Rail 1945. Arr NYPE and embarked
aboard the USAT “NY 861” at 1845
Strength Officers: 1 Lt. Col
1 Major
3 Capt.
1 1st Lt.
Saturday – 1st July 1944 “Hq” Battery Morning Report8
Aboard USAT “NY 861”
Robinson (DS) 33 195 974 Tec/4
Hoyle (DS) 36 730 995 Tec/5
Above two men from DS, NYPE, New
York, N. Y. to dy
Mulkey (conf) 6 551 567 Pvt.
Bn Guardhouse Camp Shanks,
N.Y. to dy 1030
Departed Camp Shanks, N.Y. via
Rail 1945. Arr NYPE and embarked
aboard the USAT “N Y 861” at 1845
Saturday – 1st July 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report9
Aboard USAT “NY 861”
Leota (Hosp) 32 875 866 Pvt.
Sk in Sta Hosp, Cp Shanks, N.Y. to dy
Departed Camp Shanks, N.Y. via rail 1645.
Arr. NYPE and embarked aboard the USAT
“NY-861” at 1845.
EM Present For Duty 124
Officers 4
Sunday – 2nd July 194410
Sailed from N. Y. Harbor
Sunday – 2nd July 194411
It was a big convoy with many troop ships going over, surrounded by Navy ships to take the convoy across the ocean and some submarines to watch out for German submarines. We had a few warning shots, and of course, we were in black-out all the way over. But other than a few warnings of submarines in the vicinity there was nothing untoward, and we did have a good trip across. We had lots of entertainment from the enlisted men, mostly in the battalion and some of the crew of the Mormacmoon.
Note: “Coffin Corner” or “Hells Corner” refers to the last ship in the first line to starboard of the lead and is the usual position for ships loaded with ammunition and or explosives.
Sunday – 2nd July 194412
We set sail on the 2nd of July 1944 to cross the Atlantic in convoy. Our boat which occupied “Coffin Corner” held only our Battalion. We all assembled to listen to the Irish tenor of the ship’s crew at the nightly concert and “Old Tim He Came Too”. Bingo and cards were interrupted occasionally for chow. Our destroyer escorts flew the black flag indicating “submarine” on several occasions, but no torpedoes were fired.
Sunday – 2nd July 194413
Byron G. Rogers
After training for two years we were ready to go overseas. We sailed on July 2, 1944, on board the S.S. Mormacmoon. Just our battalion was on this ship. There were destroyer escorts flying black flags indicating “enemy submarines” on several occasions, but no torpedoes were fired. On July 13, 1944, we passed thru the Irish Sea, and debarked at Cardiff, Wales.
Left U.S.A.
Sunday – 2nd July 1944 “HQ” Morning Report15
Aboard USAT “NY 861”
Departed NYPE aboard the USAT
“NY 861” at 0420 enroute to
European Theater of Operations
Strength Officers: 1 Lt. Col.
1 Major
3 Capt.
1 1st Lt.
Sunday – 2nd July 1944 “Hq” Battery Morning Report16
Aboard USAT “NY 861”
Departed NYPE aboard the USAT
“NY 861” at 0420 enroute to
European Theater of Operations
Sunday – 2nd July 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report17
Aboard USAT “NY 861”
Evans 34 339 387 Pvt.
Dy to sk in Sta Hosp LD
Departed NYPE aboard the USAT “NY 861”
at 0420 enroute to European Theater of
Operations.
EM Present for duty 123; EM Absent 1
Officers: 4
Wednesday – 5th July 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report18
Aboard USAT “NY 861”
Lindsey 34 339 545 Cpl.
Dy to sk in Sta Hosp LD
Thursday – 6th July 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report19
Aboard USAT “NY 861”
Evans (Hosp) 34 339 378 Pvt.
Sk in Sta Hosp LD to dy
Tuesday – 11th July 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report20
Company Restricted
Arbury Park Warwickshire vK7709
Murphy, Edmound C. 0 278 607 Capt.
Greer, Harry J. W2 113 400 WOJG
Boyland, Edward T. 32 874 703 Pvt.
Adv. Det. Consisting of above
Off, WO & EM departed billets
in Macclesfield Cheshire at
0930 hrs. arrived at Arbury
Park vicinity of Nuneaton,
Warwickshire at 1400 hrs.
Wednesday – 12th July 1944 “HQ” Morning Report21
Aboard USAT “NY 861”
3 – 12 July 1944
Enroute to European Theater of
Operation without incident
Strength Officers 1 Lt. Col.
1 Major
3 Capt
1 1st Lt.
Pres For Dy 5, Abs’t 1
Wednesday – 12th July 1944 “Hq” Battery Morning Report22
Aboard USAT “NY 861”
3 – 12 July 1944
Enroute to European Theater of
Operation without incident
Strength Officers: 1 Capt.
1 1st Lt.
3 2nd Lt.
1 WO
Strength EM: 94 Present For Dutt
1 Absent
Wednesday – 12th July 1944 Battery “C” Morning Reportt23
Aboard USAT “NY 861”
3 – 12 July 1944.
Enroute to European Theater of Operations
without inciden
Thursday – 13th July 194424
1930 – Debarked USAT NY 861 at Cardiff, Wales.
2030 – Entrained for Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England.
Thursday – 13th July 1944
The weather held and the trip over was a pleasure cruise. On the 13th of July we sighted the Kelly-green hills of Old Erin off the starboard bow. Later in the day we passed through the Irish Sea and sailed in among the barrage balloons and debarked at Cardiff, Wales. We climbed into strange English trains or “Carriages” and on our way to Nuneaton, had our first view of the well-kept English countryside.
Note see: http://ww2troopships.com/crossings/1944b.htm
The Battalion sighted Ireland off the starboard bow and later that day passed through the Irish Sea and into Cardiff Wales our P.O.D. http://ww2troopships.com/crossings/1944b.htm. The Battalion boarded a train to Neueaton.25
We finally docked at Cardiff, Wales, and there was, of course, a lot of air protection there and barrage balloons all over the place. We got off the ship and immediately onto the English trains – the carriages, as they called them — and get on our way up to Nuneaton. We had a good view of the English countryside on the way up, and on the 14th of July we established a base camp at Arbury Park. We were only there a short time — just about time to go to a few of the pubs, taste the good English beer, and see the great damage done In Coventry by the German air raids that destroyed the cathedral, and many of the installations and facilities at Coventry. My battalion had all of its equipment with the exception of the guns — the 155 mm guns were not present. They were not finished being manufactured in the States, so we were without them.26
Thursday – 13th July 194427
Byron G, Rogers
On July 13, 1944, we passed thru the Irish Sea, and debarked at Cardiff, Wales. There we went by trains thru the English Countryside, and on July 14, 1944, we made camp at Arbury Park. We saw lots of bomb damage because Germany had been bombing England for a long time. We had to go to Birmingham, England to pick up supplies and I drove a 2-1/2ton truck across the London Bridge. After 12 days we left Portland Harbor with only our M1 rifles, bayonets, & hand grenades.
Arrived Cardiff, Wales, England
Thursday – 13th July 1944 “HQ” Morning Report29
Entrained enroute to Arbury Park, England
Debarked from USAT “NY 861” 1900 at
Cardiff, Wales. Departed via rail for
Arbury Park, England, new permanent
station
Strength Officers: 1 Lt. Col.
1 Major,
3 Capt.
1 1st Lt.
Pres For Dy 5, Abs’t 1
Thursday – 13th July 1944 “Hq” Battery Morning Report30
Thursday – 13th July 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report31
Friday – 14th July 194432
0350 – Arrived Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England.
0645 – Arrived Aubury Park and Established Base Camp.
Friday – 14th July 194433
The Battalion established base camp at Aubury Park England.
Friday – 14th July 194434
On the 14th of July we established a base camp at Aubury Park. We barely had time to sample the English beer in the pubs, see the bomb damage in Coventry and learn the first verse of “Roll Me Over In The Clover” when the Battalion was assigned a special mission.
Arrived Arbury Park England
Friday – 14th July 1944 “HQ” Morning Report36
Friday – 14th July 1944 “Hq” Battery Morning Report37
Arbury Park, Warwickshire, vK7909
Boylan (DS) 32 874 703 Pvt.
DS to dy
Detrained 0300 Nuneaton, England from
Cardiff, Wales. Arrived present station
via motor transport 0730
Friday – 14th July 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report38
Arbury Park, Warwickshire vK7909
Detrained 0300 Nuneaton, England from
Cardiff, Wales. Arrived present Sta via
motor transport 0730
Major Carey Clark, Asbery Park England
Saturday – 15th July 194439
0816 – Lt. Col. Davis and Staff Officers left for Third Army Headquarters (Peover Hall, Knutsford England).
1830 – Lt. Col. Davis and Staff Officers arrived back at Base Camp
Friday – 15th July 194440
Battalion arrived Arbury Park, Warwickshire, England
Tec/5 Harold D. Metheny standing in the doorway of his Nissen Hut
Sunday – 16th July 194441
Usual Camp duties.
Monday – 17th July 194442
1930 – C.P. relocated at new position approximately 125
yards south.
Monday – 17th July 194443
Usual Camp duties.
Dearest Family,
Up to my neck in work – have only a second to let you know I’m feeling great. Boat trip was marvelous. Camp here isn’t as bad as I’d expected.
Am trying to see as much as I can in the time off – which isn’t much. Cable to you and Jane sent today. Will write a long newsey letter tonight or tomorrow.
Jane is fine – says she’s heard from you several times. Glad you are all like her as much as I do.
Her birthday is August 20. Get something for her. Perhaps you know what she’d like. Got three letters from you #8-9-10. Two from Jane. Peg’s letter came too. Non from Uncle Art. Best love to one and all.
Your Son.
Tuesday – 18th July 194444
Usual Camp duties.45
Tuesday – 18th July 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report46
Arbury Park Warwickshire vK7809
Yarbrough 4 359 958 Sgt.
Smith 32 556 558 Pfc.
Dy to SD Bn PX
Dear Peg,
Please don’t think this is going to be the answer to your swell letters, it isn’t, it’s a request. Can you get some of my money and buy mother and dad birthday presents? As you know I’m in no position to go shopping. Get them anything they can use. Make it nice. I owe them so much – more than I can ever repay by mere gifts. All I can do, I guess, is make them proud that I’m their son. I’ll never let them down. Please look into the matter and do the best you can.
Send me a 6” mirror (round) Much love
I have to shave blind now!! Tom.
Cookies to fill it up.
Dear Family,
Will try and tell you what has gone on since I last wrote a long letter to you.
Our trip on the boat was simply marvelous. The days were cool and the sun was blazing hot. sat around and read or just looked at the sea – etc. while sunbathing. The boat was very nice with plenty of room for us all. Doc, Jr, Frank, Bob, Max, Pete and I lived together in a below decks stateroom. It wasn’t hot down there nice – we all slept real well. The tough thing was the keeping clean, no matter what you touched you got dirty and trying to shower in salt water was terrible. It wouldn’t lather soap at all. We finally took sponge baths then rinsed off with towel and finally hit the salt showers. The food was perfect! We all ate up in the officers’ mess room in three shifts, the ship’s officers & 3 navy men then us then about 20 casual officers. We only ate two meals a day, but they were huge; no one got very hungry during the day but if one did the PX had candy & cookies. I bought and ate a carton (9 boxes) of Fig Newton’s a carton of Almond Hershey’s (24 bars) and smoked a carton of Camels.
Very few of us suffered except we never want to see the cookies or candy again. At night the
Special Service Officer (Coyne) would have entertainment for the Battalion. It was lots of fun – it wound up by having the 5 Batteries put on a show each night. Of course, “B’s” was the best!!
When we sighted land – I was in bed – (not seasick – never had a murmur) asleep. Played
blackjack till 0400 – it was a marvelous sight – Columbus and I sure had a thrill. The next day thru our glasses we could see land on each side. Coyne & McLaughlin sure got a kick out of it. When we landed it was a nice day – it had tried to rain but just couldn’t. We spent a few hours setting watching the railroads – boy are they ever unusual. The goods wagons (freight cars) are about 12” x 8” with two pare of steel spoke wheels. The freight is just covered by a tarp. Their switching is clever; they don’t use an engine at all. It’s simply a system of pulleys and rope and a power winch. They hook the rope on the last car, turn on the juice and pull em up when the last car gets to the winch it drops off. The cars are coupled by a 3’ link chain; the cars have no breaks. The cars stop of their own accord or the engineer stops, and the cars just bump into each other. We all about died laughing while we watched. The passenger trains are like the ones seen in movies – six of us sat up and talked most of the night.
The camp isn’t so bad. Lots of shade trees, bushes and grass – our beds are a steel lattice with no springs – we sleep on a straw tick. The stove for the huts is about 3’ x 18” stoked with coal. The latrines are cold water faucets with a trough underneath; the water drains onto a tile spillway – it’s all very crude. The food is about as good as we can expect. Powdered eggs & milk, etc. We all eat out of our mess kits. All the stuff we left behind is coming in brand spanking new. Driving around here is done on the left of course but what a thrill when your driver forgets he’s in England and drives on the right. All the traffic stops, and people smile and sadly shake their heads. Their cars are tiny similar to the ones used in the Flicks (movies). The big thrill is trying to drive a car when 9/10 of the traffic is bicycles. Single seaters, tandem, and tandem with sidecar and tin rumble seat for youngest child. Boy they don’t regard life or limb. They just go like Hell. They won’t budge either. A 2½ ton truck doesn’t phase’em. Someone said the bike deaths in all England were greater than the Blitz deaths in London in ’40.
The people are very nice to us. They have had a hard time of it. 5 years of war on your doorstep shows. You can see the ruins wherever you go. I have cause I’ve been to several large cities. It really makes you think how foolish the people at home are when they act as if there wasn’t a war on. Their cloths are clean but have a dignified shabbiness to them. Stockings are unheard of for women. Also, a rumor they don’t wear pants!! Kind of chilly don’t you think? Someone ought to look into that matter!
Look in any picture book of England and you’ll see that the buses are the same as the ones I’m seeing. Say!! If I tell you everything in this letter what else can I write about next time? (continued in a day or so)
Now about you – hoe you are all fine and that the heat isn’t getting you down. Jane said it was 94 degrees in their front room for almost a week. Hot, eh? I’ll bet the kids are cute would love to see them how about a picture of all of you including Heine? Just a snapshot will do.
Did you get my cable? I sent it yesterday. Jane said for you to writ – not to call her – when you get it. Anyway I sent her one at the same time. They cast 2’ 6 or half-crown (50 cents to you). Boy their money is great – I’ll tell you about it later on.
Jane’s birthday is the 20th can you get her something and mail it to her? You know about what she’d like.
I’m in increasing my Class F allotment to $165.00 per month. That leaves me with £2,8’6 about $9.00 per. I’m drawing $94.00 the 31st and have $20.00 now – that should last me a long time cause one can’t by a thing here. The things here are all rationed and you need a stamp.
I could ramble on for another hour – I’ve a lot to tell ‘cause I’ve been big eyed trying to see it all. In my Shelby patches I’m in one of the two, it ought to be fun here ‘cause I like to eat them so much.
Don’t forget the present for Jane also if you write her again – give her my love. She loves to hear from you.
My love to all
Yours
Tom.
Your last was #10.
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Oliver and family.
You can use the RR Express ticket to check on my Bks. bag I spoke of when I left the states. It should be there at least by the 20th.
Wednesday – 19th July 194447
Usual Camp duties.
Wednesday – 19th July 1944 “HQ” Morning Report48
Arbury Park, Warwickshire vK7909
Humprey 0 254 639 Capt. Code 9
Reld of princ dy BN S-3 21625 and
Reasgd princ dy Ass’t Bn S-3 21626
as of 15 July 1944
Murphy 0 278 607 Capt. Code 9
Reld of princ dy Ass’t Bn S-3 21626
and reasgd princ dy Bn S-3 21825
as of 15 July 1944
Strength Officers: 1 Lt. Col.
1 Major,
3 Capt.
1 1st Lt.
Thursday – 20th July 194449
Usual Camp duties.
Thursday 20th July 1944 “HQ” Morning Report50
Arbury Park, 1¼ mi SW, vK7909.
Sta designation as shown in M/R dated
14 – 19 July 44 as reads “Arbury Park.
Sta designation as shown in M/R dated
14 – 19 Jul 44 as reads “Arbury Prk,
Warwickshire“, vK7909” changed to read
“Arbury Park, 2¼ mi SW, vK7909 Nuneaton”
Strength Officers: 1 Lt. Col.
1 Major,
3 Capt.
1 1st Lt.
Thursday – 20th July 1944 “Hq” Battery Morning Report51
Thursday – 20th July 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report52
Thursday – 20th July 1944 “MD” Detachment Morning Report53
Dear Family,
Here we go again! All of us are in perfect health and all send their best regards. Have entered my town of England and it still is the most beautiful spot I’ve seen. It’s so neat and compact. All the fields look like golf courses – the houses are like those in David Copperfield you would love it. An architect could sure get a lot of ideas here.
John & I went to a nearby town last night. Spent the evening drinking beer in a Bn. N.A.A.F. I. (PX) with three A.T.S. gals. We had a picnic – they are so funny to listen too. Two of them were Scotch lassies, one by 1. It was fun. Did you get Jane’s present – also did Peg get my letter? Our mail is tied up somewhere – none of us have had a letter for over three days. Best love to all. How about the family picture?
Love
Tom.
Friday – 21st July 194454
1005 – Battalion Commander and three Staff Officers left for 182nd F.A Group. (Captain E.
Murphy Battery “A”, 2nd Lt. Ernest Meyer Battery “C” and WOJG Mr. Harry J. Greer
Service Battery)
Sunday – 22nd July 194455
1645 – Battalion commander and party arrive back at Base Camp.
Dear Family,
Another news report!! I had a real big day for letters yesterday – four of em. Two from Peg one from you and one from Jane. You have all been real swell with your letters, I sure do enjoy them all. I love to hear from Dad to.
I have had a new job given to me – it’s only for as long as were stationed here. I’m the “post adjutant”. Col. Davis is Post Commander. It’s a good job, but it keeps me inside too much. I put out all the orders for the Post C. O. don’t know how long it will last, but I’m going to do my darnedest to make a go of it.
Got a big kick out of your letters when you try to speculate on my where abouts. I can just hear all of you arguing about it – each very sure of the location. Then dad try’s to reason it out and you all get mad and quit. You have been all wrong on my locations so far. Dex was wrong, Standish was wrong – someday I’ll tell you! It’s really restricted info. Sorry. Keep on guessing though you may hit it. Have you received the RR Express ticket yet? Clue #1. Coyne, Wink, Torres & I went to an A.T.S. (not ours) camp to see some kids had a million laughs.
Jane has been asking for a couple of pictures. In my scrap book there is a duplicate Daily News pic of Bet’s & I taken at the Pump room – cut it in half and scout around and send her some, please. Maybe you could go to the News “morgue” find the negative of the newspaper one and have a small (or same size) one reprinted for a buck or so – maybe mom would like one too. Our PX opened yesterday and we all bought our week’s ration of candy, cigs, cookies & peanuts. All the stuff is rationed to us. Shipping space on transports is very limited as far as we’re concerned.
It has been real cool here. I’ve been wearing my new jacket all the time. A wool shirt, blouse & a topcoat is just right at night.
The war news sure is good – old Hitler is sure in a rough spot. We haven’t many radios so news is scarce.
How have my letters been coming in? I’ve tried to write every other day. Do they come in in bundles? How about times of transit between V-mail & air mail. Can you send me a couple of tubes of Pepsodant, 6 cheap hankies, bandannas will do, and the 6” mirror I spoke of? Perhaps some cookies, peanuts – no gum, I have plenty and besides I don’t chew very often.
I have misplaced my address book – is it in the locker I sent home? It’s brown & is in a leather zipper case. Will have to close now – best love to all, keep your letters coming.
Your
Tom.
Uncle Art’s letter hasn’t come yet.
Sgt. Robert H. Bishop, Albury Park England Just Prior To Channel Crossing
Sunday – 23rd July 194456
Usual Camp duties.
Monday – 24th July 194457
0630 – Battalion Commander and Assistant S-4 left for secret destination.
1800 – Battalion Commander and Assistant S-4 returned to Base Camp
Monday – 24th July 1944 “Hq” Battery Morning Report58
Monday – 24th July 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report59
Monday – 24th July 1944 Service Battery Morning Report60
24th July 1944
Battle of Normandy Ends
Battle of Northern France Begins,
25 July 1944 to 14 September 1944
Tuesday – 25th July 194462
Battalion alerted for departure.
Tuesday – 25th July 1944 “Hq” Battery Morning Report63
Tuesday – 25th July 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report64
Arbury Park, 2¼ mi SW, vK7909 Nuneaton
Harvey (Hosp) 33 301 272 Cpl. Code T-4
Sk in 33rd Tat Hosp LD to trfd to Det of
Patient 33rd Sta Hos[p
Cimbulich (Hosp) 35 915 548 Pvt.
Sk in 33rd Sta HOsp LD to DS as patient
52nd GH 24 July 44
Corrigan 32 905 146 Pvt.
Dy to sk 33rd Sta Hosp LD No EPTI
Fink (SD) 42 049 263 Pvt.
SD to dy
Strength: EM present for duty 120, absent 2
Officers 4
Tuesday – 25th July 1944 Service Battery Morning Report65
Colonial Davis66
Colonel Davis Papers
I had a call from General Patton’s Third Army Headquarters in France, from a friend of mine, Colonel Heitman. He told me that we were going to be assigned a special mission, to come right over across the channel and take over the Third Army prisoner of war enclosure on Utah Beach. The beach of the Third Army Prisoner of War Enclosure was being guarded by the 2nd Ranger Battalion of the First Army, and they very badly wanted to release it and get it on up into the fighting.
Wednesday – 26th July 194467
0815 – Battalion Commander and advance party departed
Aubury Park, 2½ mi SW (vK7909), Nuneaton, England.
Arrived Chickerell, 1 mi S (vU0800).
0950 – Battalion departed Aubury Park, 2 ½ mi SW (vK7909)
Nuneaton, England via motor convoy. Arrived Chickerell,
1 mi S (vU0800) at 2230. Distance marched 180 miles.
Weather: Clear: Moral: Excellent
Wednesday – 26th July 194468
Battalion alerted for departure.
We departed on the 26th of July for the marshalling yards at Portland Harbor without equipment. The Battalion by-passed several divisions and ordinary processing in a reord trip from the Stated to France. We boarded the LST 315 and 316 and without incident crossed the Channel.
Wednesday – 26th July 194469
Departed Aubury Park
Left Arbury Park and arrived Weymouth England
Wednesday – 26th July 194471
Arrived Chickerell England
Wednesday – 26th July 194472
Byron G. Rogers
July 26, 1944, we boarded L.S.T. boats and crossed the English Channel without incidence. We landed on Utah Beach at Normandy the next day under the heaviest fighting we’d ever seen. This was the 4th Division’s D-Day Beach Head, and we had been assigned to the 4th Division. At Normandy we assembled the battalion, and moved to St. Jores, a little deeper into Normandy. At this time, we would assume the duties of operating the Third U.S Army Prisoner of War Camp, taking over for the 1st Army’s 2nd Ranger Battalion. We lost a tremendous number of men during this time. Hedgerows were so thick the tanks could not get through, so movement was stalled. There were 3 to 4 foot high dirt fences with tall hedges, man-made barriers, all through France. In later battles, some of the tanks were fitted with a set of cutter blades on front to in able them to go through or over the hedges. In Mets, France, the entire 3rd Army ran out of fuel and was stranded for 4 or 5 days. That gave the Germans time to dig in and reinforce their supplies. During these times I realized that God was taking care of us or we would not have made it out alive. The battalion was in a real hot spot. The entire area was mined and/or booby-trapped. The war was so close that American and German dead were still in the areas.
Wednesday – 26th July 1945 “Hq” Battery Morning Report73
Chickerall, 1 mi S vU0800 England
Departed Arbury Park, 1¼ mi SW vK7909
Nuneaton, England 0900 via Motor Convoy,
Arr present Sta 2230, Distance marched
180 mi.
Strength Officers: 1 Capt.
1 1st Lt.
3 2nd Lt.
1 2ND Lt. Attached FR Other Orgn
1 WO.
Strength EM: 95 EM Assigned
1 Attached Unassigned
29 Attached FR Other Orgn
125 EM Total
Wednesday – 26th July 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report74
Arbury Park, 2¼ mi SW, vK7909 Nuneaton
Cimbulich (DS) 35 915 548 Pvt. Code 7-A
DS as patient 52nd GH to trfd to Det of
Patients 52nd GH
Corrigan 32 905 146 Pvt. Code T-A
Sk 33rd Sta Hosp LD No EPTI to frfd to
Det of Patients 182nd GH
Departed Arbury Park 2¼ SW, vK7909
Nuneaton, England 0900 via motor convoy.
Arr prestnt Sta 2230. Distance marched
180 mi.
Wednesday – 26th July 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report75
Chickerell, 1 mi S vU0800, England
Lindsey (DS) 34 339 595 Cpl. Code T
DS as Patient 81st Gen Hosp, APO 516, to
trfd in gr Det of Patients, 81st Gen
Hosp, APO 516
Departed Arbury Park 1¼ mi. SW, vK7909
Nuneaton, England 0900 via Motor Convoy.
Arr present Sta 2230. Distance Marched
180 mi.
Wednesday – 26th July 1944 MD Detachment Morning Report76
Chickerell, 1 mi S vU0800, England
Departed Arbury Park, 2¼ mi SW vK7909.
Nuneaton, England, 0900 via Motor Convoy
Arr present Sta 2230. Distance marched
180 mi.
Thursday – 27th July 194477
Usual camp duties preparatory to embarkation.
Thursday – 27th July 1944 “HQ” Battery Morning Report78
Chickerall, 1 mi S vU0800 England
“ALURTED FOR DEARTURE”
Thursday – 27th July 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report79
Chickerell 1 mi S vU0800 England
“ALERTED – FOR – DEPARTURE”
Thursday – 27th July 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report80
Chickerell, 1 mi S vU0800
Yarbrough (SD) 34 359 958 Sgt.
Smith (SD) 32 556 558 Pfc.
Above 2 EM SD Bn PX to Dy.
“ALERTED –FOR –DEPARTURE”
Landing craft and LST’s loading for the crossing to France
July 1944
1st Lt. Marriott – V-Letters Home (Three), From England
Dear Mom,
Here we go again! I’ll try to give you the picture as best I can without giving any real dope away. We are on our way again. We are all safely aboard ship and headed for a new adventure. We had a fine convoy to this port – only a few people got lost in the towns we passed thru. We slept in an old tent camp by the ocean for two nights and it was darn cool. John, Harry Grier, Red Hendry and I went to the local Pub for a few beers and wound up with a real headache. We were up at 0400 and moved a little while later on. Being at this port and seeing the activity one can imagine the magnitude of the invasion – believe me – you can’t possibly understand the huge transportation problem that they surmounted.
But I will give you more of that at a later date. About England. In our travels we went to Birmingham – a huge industrial city – which was pretty well gutted in the Blitz of “40. It’s a nice city, but rather dirty. John, Wink and I went to a large park there and even in wartime it was well kept and very pretty. At 1600 we had tea at the allied officers club. We then drove to Coventry – was almost demolished, some areas are just wrecks, almost everyone there lost someone in the bombing. A great percentage of the churches were wrecked. It was there we met the 3 A.T.S. gals. We went there quite often. Stratford on-Avon is terribly pretty – Shakespeare was born there – you know. Tewkesbury, Nuneaton, Warwick, Evesham are all real points of interest. Someday you three should come here for a vacation, it would be well worth the money.
July 4th.
V-Letter Three (Three of Three)
I wrote to Don a few days ago to congratulate him on his promotion. I’m sure glad he got it – and I know you all are very proud of him. This has been a rather sketchy letter – hope you don’t mind. I have gotten your #13 letter. The mail has been sort of off and on – letters come in bundles. Hope mine have come in regularly. I’ve tried to write every two or three days – god and the Army permitting. All of us are well. Jane has been marvelous in her writing. I’ve really got something there. Next month you should get about $165 on my govt. check. Save it for me – I’m going to need a reserve when I get home – ‘cause that young lady and I are going to get married. OK??
My best love to you all.
Yours
Tom.
LST-315 was laid down on 15 October 1942 at the New York Navy Yard Brooklyn; launched on 28 January 1943; sponsored by Miss Helen Clair Leuteritz; and commissioned on 3 February 1943.
During World War II, LST-315 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations:
Sicilian occupation – July and August 1943
Salerno landings – September 1943
Invasion of Normandy – June 1944
The tank landing ship was transferred to the United Kingdom on 9 December 1944 and returned to United States Navy custody on 16 March 1946 and decommissioned. She was struck from the Navy list on 26 February 1946 and sold, on 5 December 1947, to Bosey, Philippines.
LST-315 earned three battle stars for World War II service.
Royal Navy History
Commissioned into the Royal Navy as HM LST-315, 30 November 1944 HM LST-315 participated in the following operations:
Relief of southern Norway
As part of “W” Task Force HM LST-315 worked down the Arakan coast of Burma and participated in the recapture of Rangoon, before proceeding to the eventual invasion of Malaya at Morib and Port Swettenham, and so to Singapore and Bangkok etc. doing relief work repatriating ex P.O.W.s of the Japanese.
Paid off Singapore and returned to US Navy custody at Subic Bay, Philippines, 16 March 1946. Struck from the Royal Naval Register, 26 February 1946. Final disposition, sold, 5 December 1947, to Bosey, Philippines, fate unknown.
USS LST-316 was laid down on 15 October 1942 at the New York Navy Yard Brooklyn; launched on 28 January 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Pearl Magdalene Frick; and commissioned on 3 February 1943.
During World War II, LST-316 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations:
Sicilian occupation-July 1943
Salerno landings-September 1943
Invasion of Normandy-June 1944
Upon her return to the United States, she was decommissioned on 24 May 1945 and struck from the Navy list on 12 March 1946. On 23 December 1946, she was sold to James Hughes, Inc., New York, N.Y., for conversion to merchant. service. LST-316 earned three battle stars for World War II
Authors Note –
LST, Landing Ship Tank also known as “Large Slow Target” by those who were aboard.
Thursday – 27th July 194487
The battalion arrived Utah Beach France, La Madeleine, the 4th Divisions D-Day Beach Head.
Thursday – 27th July 194488
We pulled on to Utah Beach (Banc de Madelaine) the following day amidst the most spectacular display of shipping any of us had ever seen. Here we saw our first air attack and upon landing got our first view of the holocaust of war for this was the 4th Division’s D-Day Beach Head. In the afternoon we bivouacked at St. Jaques to assemble the Battalion.
Thursday – 27th July 194489
The Battalion arrived St. Jaques France and bivouacked there that afternoon to assemble the Battalion.
Friday – 28th July 194490
On 28 July, on verbal orders of Lieutenant General Bradley, commanding General of Twelfth U.S. Army Group, Lieutenant General Patton assumed operational command of all troops then in the VIII Corps Zone, and, acting on Deputy Army Group Commander, supervised the lightning-like follow-up with which the enemy was hit by that Corps. The 4th and 6th Armored Divisions were quickly thrown in, followed closely by the 8th and 79th Infantry Divisions, to drive rough shod to the south over a demoralized and rapidly retreating enemy. Lieutenant General Patton’s role at this time fitted generally into plans for the coming entire Third U.S. Army operations as it was initially planned that VIII and XV corps would come under Third U.S. Army command when this Army became operational.
Friday – 28th July 194491
Battalion departed Chickerell, 1 mi S (vU0800), England at 0610. Embarked aboard LST 316 at 1030 at Portland Harbor, England. Weather: Clear: Morale: Excellent.
Friday – 28th July 194492
Battalion departed Chickerell (to France on an L.S.T. 315 & 316 – landed Utah Beach La Madelaine, Lower Normandy France)
Boarded L.S.T. #316
Friday – 28th July 1944 “HQ” Battery Morning Report94
Aboard US LST 316
Departed Chickerall, 1 mi S vU0800,
England at 0610. Embarked Aboard US
LST 316 at 1030 in Portland Harbor,
England
Friday – 28th July 1944 “Hq” Battery Morning Report95
Aboard US LST 316
Garland 01 185 292 1st Lt.
Hightower 01 179 097 2nd Lt.
Above two G’S dy to temporary dy on auth
Aerial flight.
Departed Chickerall, 1 mi S vU0800 England
at 0610. Embarked aboard US LST 316
at 1030 in Portland Harbor, England
Strength Officers: 1 Capt.
1 1st Lt.
2 2nd Lt., 1 Attached FR Other Orgn
1 WO
Strength EM: 95 EM Present For Duty
1 Attached Unassigned
29 Attached FM Other Orgn
125 EM Total
Note on above HQ Morning Report:
Garland 01 185 292 1st Lt.
Hightower 01 179 097 2nd Lt.
Above two G’S dy to temporary dy on auth Aerial flight.
Garland and Hightower each flew one Battalion Liaison aircraft to France.
Friday – 28TH July 1944 Battery ”B” Morning Report96
ABOARD US LST 316
NO CHANGE
RECORD OF EVENTS
Departed Chickerell 1 mi S vU0800 at
0610 Embarked aboard US LST 316 at 1030
in Portland Harbor, England
Friday – 28th July 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report97
Aboard US LST 536
Departed Chickerell, 1 mi. S vU
0800, England at 0610. Embarked
aboard US LST 536 at 1030 in
Portland Harbor, England.
LST 536 was laid down, 19th October 1943, at Missouri Valley Bridge and Iron Co., Evansville, IN. and launched, 27th December 1943. Commissioned USS LST-536, 9th February 1944, LT. Charles A. Flood, USNR, in command. During World War II USS LST-536 was first assigned to the Europe-Africa-Middle Theater and later to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and participated in the following campaign: Invasion of Normandy, 6th to 25th June 1944 and earned one battle star for World War II service
Decommissioned, 23rd January 1946 and assigned to Commander Naval Forces Far East (COMNAVFE) Shipping Control Authority for Japan (SCAJAP), redesignated Q024. Struck from the Naval Register, 25th February 1946 and transferred to the Republic of Korea, 21st February 1947. Final Disposition, fate unknown.
Specifications:
Displacement 1625 t.(lt)
4,080 t.(fl) (sea-going draft w/1675-ton load)
2,366 t. (beaching displacement)
Length: 328′ o.a.
Beam: 50′
Draft: light 2′ 4″ fwd, 7′ 6″ aft
sea-going 8′ 3″ fwd, 14′ 1″ aft
landing 3′ 11″ fwd 9′ 10″ aft (landing w/500 ton load)
limiting 11′ 2″maximum navigation 14′ 1″
Speed: 11.6 kts. (trial)
Endurance: 24,000 miles @ 9kts. while displacing 3960 tons
Complement: 13 officers104 enlisted
Troop Accommodations: 16 officers147 enlisted
Boats: 2 LCVP
Cargo Capacity: (varied with mission – payloads between 1600 and 1900 tons). Typical loads One Landing Craft Tank (LCT), tanks, wheeled and tracked vehicles, artillery, construction equipment and military supplies. A ramp or elevator
forward allowed vehicles access to tank deck from main deck.
Additional capacity included sectional pontoons carried on each side of vessel amidships, to either build Rhino Barges or use as causeways. Married to the bow ramp, the causeways would enable payloads to be delivered ashore from deeper water or where a beachhead would not allow the vessel to be grounded forward after ballasting.
Armament: (varied with availability when each vessel was outfitted. Retrofitting was accomplished throughout WWII. The ultimate armament design for United States vessels was2 – Twin 40MM gun mounts w/Mk. 51 directors4 – Single 40MM gun mounts12 single 20MM gun mounts
Fuel Capacity: Diesel 4,300 Bbls
Propulsion: Two General Motors 12-567A, 900hp Diesel engines with single Falk Main Reduction Gears, three Diesel-drive 100Kw 230V D.C. Ship’s Service Generators
two propellers, 1,700 shp twin rudders.
Dear Family,
Sorry about the laps of letters but have been busy. It’s sure fun to hear from all of you so often. The three of you have kept me very happy with your newsy letters. Keep it up! I sure get a bang out of your speculation as to our whereabouts – as yet I haven’t gotten any of your letters written after receiving one of mine. I sure hope you all are well and happy – ‘cause were all in the pink. The weather here is cool! My woolies are going on in a day or so. Looked for Bob Nissen, but guess I need more info as to his whereabouts.
I’ll have a lot to write about in a few days. My love to one and all. Try not to worry too much about us – we’re all over 21 and very careful
Love your Tom.
Saturday – 29th July 1944100
Departed Portland Harbor, England aboard US LST 316 at 0700 en-route to France.
Travelled English Channel
Saturday – 29th July 1944 ”HQ” Battery Morning Report102
Aboard US LST 316
Departed Portland Harbor, England aboard
US LST 316 at 0700 enroute to France.
Strength Officers: 1 Capt.
1 1st Lt.
2 2nd Lt., 1 Attached FR Other Orgn
1 WO.
Strength EM: 95 EM Present For Duty
1 Attached Unassigned
29 Attached FM Other Orgn
125 EM Total
Saturday – 29th July 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report103
ABOARD US LST 316
NO CHANGE
RECORD OF EVENTS
Departed Portland Harbor, England aboard
US LST 316 at 0700 enroute to France.
Saturday – 29th July 1944 Battery “C” Morning Report104
Departed Portland Harbor, England
aboard US LST 536 at 0700 enroute
to France.
Saturday – 29th July 1944 Service Battery Morning Report105
Aboard US LST 1082
Departed Portland Harbor, England
aboard US LST 1082 at 0700 enroute
to France
Strength Officers Strength EM
1 Fld O & Capt Pres 29 Pres for Duty
1 1st Lt. Pres
1 WO Pres
The above Service Battery Morning Report is inaccurate. Both the US National Archives and the British National Archives agree there was no LST 1082 used in the European Theater of Operation with the number LST 1082.
This error is repeated here July 29, and again on July 30 and 31. Below is a copy of the Service Battery Morning Report of July 30 detailing the error.
I continue to research this as the Service Battery was transported to France on something.
Breakout and Pursuit
Exploitation 30 – 31 July 1944
XII Corps Spearhead of Patton’s Third Army, Lt. Co. George Dyer, Breakout And Pursuit, Page 778, July 30 to August 31, 1944
Sunday – 30th July 1944106
Debarked US LST 316 at 1100 at La Madeleine, France. Bivouacked at St. Jacques, France at 2100.
Sunday – 30th July 1944107
Upon debarkation at La Madeleine, France on 30th July 1944, the Battalion was attached to the Provost Marshal, Third U.S. Army, with the mission of manning and administrating Third U.S. Army Prisoner of War Enclosures.
Sunday – 30th July 1944108
The Battalion departed St. Jacques France.
France
Sunday – 30th July 1944 “HQ” Battery Morning Report110
St. Jacques, France 1½ mi E
Debarked from US LST 316 1100 at Banc
De La Madeleine. Bivouacked present
Station 2100.
Strength Officers: 1 Capt.
1 1st Lt.
2 2nd Lt., 1 Attached FR Other Orgn
1 WO.
Strength EM: 95 EM Present For Duty
1 Attached Unassigned
29 Attached FM Other Orgn
Sunday – 30th July 1944, Battery “A” Morning Report111
St. Jacques ¼ mi E. France
Debarked from US-LST 316 1100
at Blanc de la Madeliane. Bivouac
present Station 2100
Strength; EM 123, Officers 4
Sunday – 30th July 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report112
St. Jacques, France 1½ Mi E
NO CHANGE
RECORD FO EVENTS
Debarked from US LST 316 1100 at Blanc de la Madeliane, Bivouacked present sta
2100.
Sunday – 30th July 1944 Service Battery Morning Report113
Aboard US LST 1082
No Change
Strength Officers Strength EM
1 Fld O & Capt Pres 29 Pres for Duty
1 1st Lt. Pres
1 WO Pres
July 1944
Section III – Prisoner Of War Sub-Section114
Upon arrival in France, efforts were made to secure the services of the Military Police Escort Guard Companies. None were available in the Theater, and it was recommended that a battalion unit of approximately 750 personnel be utilized for the mission of escorting, guarding, and processing prisoners of war. As a temporary measure Field Artillery Battalions with low priority were to be used.
July 1944115
Section III – Prisoner Of War Sub-Section
The 693rd Field Artillery Battalion was attached to the Provost Marshal section for escort guard work. Training was conducted in all phased of prisoner of war work. The 693rd Field Artillery Battalion was assigned to its primary duty before the Army became operational, and the 244th Field Artillery Battalion replaced it in prisoner of war work. This new battalion was oriented and given instructions in all phases of prisoner of war duties.
Interview with Robert Bishop116
My name is Robert H. Bishop, and my Serial Number is 20 1405 39, and I was a Sergeant, a Buck Sergeant and chief of Section Number 4 Gun in Battery B, the 244th Field Artillery Battalion Third Army. Our primary weapon was a 155mm Long Tom, and this was known as General Pershing’s favorite during World War I, or in our time, it was the King of Battle.
We landed on Utah Beach on July 21st minus our weapons, and we relieved the Second Ranger Battalion First Army at the PW post and hauled prisoners back from the front and got at the POW cage, it was there, and we did this for quite awhile, and we were very busy, too.
Caption reads – People Crowding Around Trucks and Speaking to Soldiers
Monday – 31st July 1944117
Usual Camp duties.
France
Monday – 31st July 1944119
On 31 July the Forward Echelon of Headquarters moved to a new Command Post generally north of Muneville Le Bingard (T25) five miles northwest of Coutances.
Monday – 31st July 1944 “HQ” Battery Morning Report120
St. Jacques, France 1½ mi E
Final Report
All personnel trfd to HQ & Hq
Btry M/R as of 0100 this date
Monday – 31st July 1944 “HQ & Hq” Battery Morning Report121
St. Jacques, France 1½ mi E
Jacobi (atchd unasgd) 32 986 943 Pfc. Code K-R
Reld from atchd unasgd and trfd to 3rd FO Bn.
Personnel previously reported on M/R of
“HQ, 244th FA Bn trfd to this and
reported as “HQ & Hq Btry, 244th FA Bn”
as of 0001 this date.
Strength Officers: 1 1st Lt.
1 1st Lt. Abs’t
2 2nd Lt.
1 2nd Lt. Attached FR
Other Orgn
1 WO.
Strength EM: 95 EM Present For Duty
29 Attached FM Other Orgn
124 EM Total
Monday – 31st July 1944 Battery “B” Morning Report122
St. Jacques, France 1½ mi E
NO CHANGE
Monday – 31st July 1944 Battery ”C” Morning Report123
St. Jacques, France, 1 1/8 mi. E
Debarked from US LST 536 0005 at
Banc de la Madeleine, Bivouacked
present Station 2130.
Monday – 31st July 1944 Service Battery Morning Report124
St. Jacques, France 1¼ mi E
Departed from US LST 1082 at Banc de
la Madeleine 0100. Arr at present
Sta 2000.
Strength Officers: 1 Fld O & Capt Pres
1 1st Lt. Pres
1 WO Pres
Strength EM: 29 Pres for Duty
Caption reads – Country People of Normandie France
Dear Family,
Another day another country La Belle France! I will try and give you the picture – so much as I know and can tell – We landed on a glorious day – during our early lunch we were told to go and boy – we went – the big doors swung open and the first truck hit the ramp – there was intense activity all over the place. We drove for a while thru winding country lanes – which had long since been blasted bare. We didn’t see many civilians for a while, till we got further inland. We parked in an open field – rearranging the trucks and getting all our stuff in shape. Later on in the day we moved to our present location. Wink’s Battery and Galway’s Battery haven’t come in yet – in fact that’s what we’re waiting for now. Andy just said they came in five minutes ago. To go on – we set up camp here in some fields – I was OD so I slept at the CP and didn’t get any breakfast till 0900 – so I was lucky enough to get four eggs – with shells – not powdered. We have just been lying around all day improving our camouflage and digging slit trenches. During supper a youngster named Daniel (7 year) came over – we fed him and boy he was really hungry. The four boys from New Hamp. really were tossing the French around. It was cute – first he went to all the officers – said “Bon Jour” shook hands and then he dug in.
Sargent Reeves (supply) and I went over to his house (farm). Talked to his grandmother, mother and father who had just come home – he was taken away by the Germans. Reeves was interpreter – grandma talked a blue streak – they asked us in for a while – gave us some cider – after a bit – we left – they had given us hay to sleep on too. They all are very nice to us. Mama – said Daniel stood by the road all day – while the first yanks came – hollering Vive L’ American, Vive La France till he make himself sick. The country here is a lot like England, but not so well kept. Their cattle is thin, their fields not to well kept – but all this is because of the Germans. Some of the towns are completely destroyed – yet they all come out and say “Bon Jour” etc. We have given most of our cigs, candy, c-rations away – they are most grateful. I will give you more news in my next letter. I guess we can’t expect any mail to reach us for several days – we will see though. We all sure do love to hear from home. Keep your letters coming.
Yours
Tom.
July 1944
- Department of The Army, USH&EC, USAMHI, 202-244th 1945, “History of The 244th Field Artillery Battalion During World War II
- Troop Ships Of WW II, Ronald W. Charles, The Army Transportation Association Washington, D.C., First Addition April 1947, Page 229
- Patrick Feng
- Patrick Feng
- W. U. (Doc) Savage Letter, December 15, 1949
- PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- W. U. (Doc) Savage Letter, December 15, 1949
- USAMHI Archives, Colonel J. Davis Interview
- Department of The Army, USH&EC, USAMHI, 202-244th 1945, “History of The 244th Field Artillery Battalion During World War II
- Serving In Harm's Way, A Record of My Service In The U.S. Army and WWII, Byron G. Rogers jr., January 2006
- PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
- 244th F.A. Battalion Headquarters Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A.Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Headquarters & Battery Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- Department of The Army, USH&EC, USAMHI, 202-244th 1945, “History of The 244th Field Artillery Battalion During World War II
- U.S. Army Military History Institute, Archives Branch, Colonel Davis Papers
- Serving In Harm's Way, A Record of My Service In The U.S. Army and WWII, Byron G. Rogers jr., January 2006
- PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- U. S. Army Heritage and Education Center, U.S. Army Military History Institute 202-244th 1945, “History of The 244thField Artillery Battalion During World War II, Page 2
- HQ, 244th F.A. Bn., APO 403, Major Carey A. Clark Commanding
- PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- W. U. (Doc) Savage Letter, December 15, 1949
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery MD Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
- The U.S. Army Center of Military History, William M. Hammond
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
- Colonel Davis Papers
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- Department of The Army, USH&EC, USAMHI, 202-244th 1945, “History of The 244th Field Artillery Battalion During World War II
- Department of The Army, USH&EC, USAMHI, 202-244th 1945, “History of The 244th Field Artillery Battalion During World War II
- PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
- W. U. (Doc) Savage Letter, December 15, 1949
- Serving In Harm's Way, A Record of My Service In The U.S. Army and WWII, Byron G. Rogers jr., January 2006
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery MD Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- Robert Hurst
- NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive
- US Navy photo from "All Hands" magazine, November 1943 issue, Joe Radigan MACM USN Ret.
- NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive
- Ron Reeves
- Mike Sector on D+1 (7 June 1944), Joe Radigan MACM USN Ret.
- U. S. Army Heritage and Education Center, U.S. Army Military History Institute 202-244th 1945, “History of The 244th Field Artillery Battalion During World War II, Page 2
- Department of The Army, USH&EC, USAMHI, 202-244th 1945, “History of The 244th Field Artillery Battalion During World War II
- U. S. Army Heritage and Education Center, U.S. Army Military History Institute 202-244th 1945, “History of The 244th Field Artillery Battalion During World War II, Page 2
- 3rd Army After Action Report, Volume I, Chapter 2 – Pre-Operational Phase On The Continent, Page 13
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- W. U. (Doc) Savage Letter, December 15, 1949
- PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive
- Kenneth D. Johnston for his father Ernest Glenn Johnston SC/3 USS LST-536
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion After Action Report, 1 December to 31 December
- W. U. (Doc) Savage Letter, December 15, 1949
- PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery A Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report
- Third U.S. Army After Action Report, Volume II, Part 19 – Provost Marshal, Page 3
- Third U.S. Army After Action Report, Volume II, Part 19- Provost Marshal, Page 3
- Library of Congress, American Folklife Center, Veterans History Project
- 244th Field Artillery Battalion Journal Report
- PFC Harry G. MacDuffee, B Battery, 244th Field Artillery - Battery Record
- HQ, 244th F.A. Bn., APO 403, Major Carey A. Clark Commanding, Letter to Officers and Enlisted Men, History of the 244th, 26th June 1945
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery HQ & Hq Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery B Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery C Morning Report
- 244th F.A. Battalion Battery SB Morning Report