TRACK PRINTS

On the night of November, 1944, began the first chapter of our overseas history. At approximately 1030 hours, with each man carrying full personal army issue of clothing and equipment, 'A' Company of the 49th A. I. B. boarded 'H. M. T. Samaria', destination - - E. T. O. Prior to this, we had spent several minutes on the dock where Red Cross volunteer workers served us generous amounts of doughnuts and coffee, besides stuffing our pockets with precious chocolate bars. The cheerful smiles and good wishes of these workers while an army band played for us on the dock, were events not to be forgotten by battle bound "A" Company. Many men will testify that the 'Samaria', as well as our favorite musician, was an advocate of swing and sway. Our hammocks kept perfect rhythm to the rocking of the troopship, but this was only a small sample, for the first night was spent in port. At about ten the following morning we weighed anchor and thus began our voyage across the Atlantic. Everyone was below deck as we passed Miss Liberty in the New York Harbor, but a maze of heads crowded each port hole to grasp one final memory of our mutual sweetheart, waving us on to victory and praying for our quick return to her.

Many of the landlubbers aboard found the trip very enjoyable, while others couldn't find enough sea sick pills to avoid Mr. Misery. Our quarters were somewhat below deck and a little above the residence of a Mr. D. Jones. It was a bit crowded in our compartments with duffle bags, packs, and guns sharing our accommodations.

One of our, first duties aboard ship was to learn our proper emergency stations for daily drills or, of course, the real thing. Under the supervision of the British Crew and our officers, we soon were able to find our stations in a quick and efficient manner. The life preserver, or pillow M-1, was a constant companion and a reassuring one.

Most of the time during the trip was free to be spent as we pleased. There was an abundant supply of pocket edition books and various games. Pinochle players had a round robin championship series, but the dice enthusiasts stuck to the orthodox one night stands. S. S. O. provided several movies, though many were shown in weekly serial fashion. As for the food, 'Room For Improvement? - Yes?'

The chaplain and staff did a fine job in providing services of all faiths. Services were very timely and well attended.

Our ticket ran out in Southampton after a thirteen day free ride. On the 20th of November we dropped anchor but didn't disembark until the next day. In the interim we took great pleasure in furthering friendly relations by throwing cigarettes, gum, and candy to the English dock workers, and whistling at each female on shore. Shortly before we disembarked, a British band officially welcomed us to the U. K. Soon we formed alphabetically on ship and began to walk, some staggered 'neath their load, down the gangplank. Passing an officer midway, each soldier sounded off his first name as he passed - - that's the way it is in the E. T. 0., everybody wants to be your buddy. In a few minutes we reformed in a nearby railway station where doughnuts and coffee were waiting for us. Contrary to army tradition, our train was on time. Quickly we squeezed into our private compartments and moved out - - next stop, Pennings Camp.

These English trains are to say the least, different. Each car is divided into sections designed to seat six. But by the time the train left the station we had at least seven plus our equipment. We weren't exactly crowded, but for the first time the fellows began feeling sorry for the clothing jammed in the bottom of their duffle bags. Blackout was in effect when we began to roll, but that didn't bother us since the windows were so dirty we couldn't see anything, even with the blinds up. The heating system in the train was wonderful. Everyone in the compartments could feel the warmth from one match. No wonder the English are such great sailors. Anything is better than sitting in one of those third class seats. They have three classes of cars in the English trains; 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, roughly equivalent in America, to Pullman, Day Coach, and Kansas City Southern. The cars are built from light weight materials, and what with level country, the locomotives are quite small. In fact Sgt. Horn was heard asking the Engineer if he could buy one for his toy railroad.

Contrary to popular speculation, Pennings was not an ornate or elaborate camp. With due regard to military secrets, it can be said that we arrived in England during the wet season. However, we of Camp Polk were well acclimated to the mud and rain that greeted us. Who hasn't heard of 'D series!'. After a bit of expected confusion, we finally found our six man tents. We dropped all our gear on the earthen floor, if dry, and took off cross country for a welcomed hot chow. It was quite a job locating our tents from the mess hall but with the aid of our compasses we made the trip back to our tents and hit the sack.

The first week or so at Pennings was nothing more than a rest between ever present guard and K. P. Whether consciously or not, Americans pick up a new thing fast and before long we were well acquainted with the English and their ways of life. Perhaps the most useful bit of knowledge acquired in our early days was the value of a pound note. At first it, was pretty rough with the boys rolling the dominoes and betting a pound like a dollar.

Tidworth, over the hill from camp, was small and couldn't provide ample entertainment for all of us. They did have two small movie houses and a pub, namely 'The Ram', which was our introduction to Bitters and Ale.

While in Tidworth, we had our first contact with the Red Cross. There was an old English mansion in the town which had been reconditioned for GI's. There, during our evenings we had movies and facilities for writing, reading, and playing ping pong. On Friday and Sunday, dancing was the main attraction. The greatest feature was the snack bar with an endless supply of coffee, doughnuts, and cokes.

Most of us had become quite curious about the inside of those orderly English houses. With the help of Colonel Roseborough, the Red Gross arranged for some of us to visit an English home on Christmas afternoon. There were other canteens in town, operated by the English, but somehow they didn't seem quite the same. Mostly because there was nothing in any of them to entertain us. So while in Pennings, most of us made the Tidworth House our entertainment headquarters.